Which law requires federal agencies to provide public information upon request, with certain exceptions?

The Freedom of Information Act (F.O.I.A.) is the correct answer because it establishes a legal framework that requires federal agencies to disclose information to the public upon request, ensuring transparency and accountability in government. This law allows individuals to access a wide range of federal agency documents and records, with some exceptions primarily related to national security, personal privacy, and other sensitive matters.

F.O.I.A. promotes an informed citizenry, which is essential for a functioning democracy. The act has been instrumental in allowing journalists, researchers, and the public to obtain information that might otherwise remain undisclosed, facilitating scrutiny of government actions.

In contrast, while the Privacy Act pertains to the handling of personal information by federal agencies and the protection of individual privacy rights, it does not focus on the right to access government information. The Public Records Act varies by state and governs the access to records held by state and local agencies, whereas the Federal Information Policy provides guidelines for the management of federal information but does not mandate public access like F.O.I.A. does.