Under the Freedom of Information Act, when is information made available to the public?

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is designed to promote transparency by allowing the public to request access to records from any federal agency. Information is made available to the public upon request, provided that the records are reasonably described. This means that individuals must specify the information they want in a way that allows the agency to locate it efficiently. The agency is obligated to respond to such requests and provide the requested records unless they fall under certain exemptions.

By ensuring that information is accessible upon a reasonably described request, FOIA advocates for open government and ensures that citizens can gain information about government functions, actions, and decisions. This process is vital in promoting accountability and transparency in federal operations.

The other considerations such as agency approval, payment of a fee, and review processes play roles in the broader FOIA context, but the primary mechanism of access hinges on the ability to request specific information effectively.