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Direct agencies to use online communications tools to help resolve disputes over FOIA requests.
Direct agencies to use online communications tools to help resolve disputes over FOIA requests, including internal agency appeals processes and through mediation provided by the new Office of Government Information Services (OGIS).

Why Is This Idea Important?

While many U.S. states have established freedom-of-information ombudsman offices, federal law until recently offered no alternative to litigation to help resolve disputes between federal agencies and the public. Few requestors can afford legal bills ranging up to $150,000 simply to track down a document. Building on work already done by federal agencies, OGIS should work with experts to deploy online dispute resolution tools such as social media, online videoconferencing and other communications tools to allow agencies and individuals to collaborate successfully. The federal government should stand ready to collaborate to give the public even greater access to their government, be they in Annapolis or Anchorage. Given that FOIA disputes exist in dozens of federal agencies, OGIS's online transparency and collaboration tools should encourage other offices and agencies to use them as well.
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Idea Rank : 2045