What exemption allows federal agencies to deny FOIA requests related to personal privacy?

The exemption that allows federal agencies to deny Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests related to personal privacy is indeed centered around personal privacy concerns. This exemption is designed to protect an individual's private information from being disclosed to the public, which can include sensitive details such as personal identification, financial information, medical records, or any other data that could lead to an invasion of privacy.

The rationale for this exemption is rooted in the understanding that while transparency and public access to information are important values, they must be balanced against the right of individuals to maintain their privacy. This is particularly important when the release of information could lead to harm, harassment, or embarrassment for individuals.

Other exemptions, such as national security, commercial interest, and trade secrets, serve different purposes and address specific concerns related to national defense, proprietary business information, and technological confidentiality. These do not focus on personal privacy but rather on broader categories of information that may have implications for security or economic competition. Thus, the personal privacy exemption specifically caters to protecting individual rights related to sensitivity and confidentiality, making it the correct choice in this context.