At Unredacted.info, we receive a lot of questions about how declassified documents become public, what FOIA is, and how we access and share sensitive historical records.

This FAQ aims to answer the most common questions and give you a clear understanding of how the process works-and why it matters.

1. What does “Unredacted” mean?

“Unredacted” refers to a version of a document that has had its blacked-out (redacted) portions revealed or restored. In government terms, a redacted file has sensitive information hidden. When those redactions are removed or bypassed-legally or through time limits-the document becomes unredacted.

2. What is a declassified document?

A declassified document is a file that was once classified for national security or secrecy reasons but has since been made available to the public. This can happen automatically after a set number of years, or via legal processes like FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) requests.

3. What is FOIA?

FOIA stands for the Freedom of Information Act, a U.S. law passed in 1966 that allows any person to request access to federal government records.

Some records may still be redacted for national security, privacy, or law enforcement reasons, but FOIA has been a powerful tool for journalists, researchers, and the public to access hidden history.

4. How do you get these documents?

We acquire documents from multiple sources:

• FOIA requests we file ourselves
• Public releases from agencies like the CIA, FBI, and NSA
• National Archives declassifications
• Whistleblower leaks (when legally safe)
• International equivalents to FOIA, such as Canada’s Access to Information Act or the UK’s Freedom of Information law

5. Is this information legal to access?

Yes. All content on Unredacted.info is sourced from legal public releases.

Even though some information may have been sensitive in the past, once it’s declassified or lawfully released, it enters the public domain or becomes publicly accessible under law.

6. Why are some documents still redacted?

Even after declassification, agencies often leave parts of documents redacted. This could be due to:

• National security concerns
• Protection of intelligence methods or agents
• Ongoing investigations
• Personal privacy of individuals named in the documents

We try to provide context on what’s still missing whenever possible.

7. Can redactions be challenged or removed?

Yes-through FOIA appeals, MDRs (Mandatory Declassification Reviews), or lawsuits. It’s a long and often bureaucratic process, but many historic redactions have been lifted thanks to persistence and legal pressure.

8. Are these documents verified?

Yes. We only publish files that come from credible sources-official agency releases, national archives, or well-documented FOIA results. We cross-reference wherever possible and always cite the original source.

9. Do you only cover the U.S.?

While the majority of our content focuses on U.S. documents, we also explore declassified materials from:

• The UK
• Russia / Soviet archives
• Canada
• Australia
• Israel & the Middle East
• The United Nations

And more, as accessible.

10. Can I request a document or topic?

Absolutely. Use our contact form to suggest a specific agency, topic, or event you’d like us to dig into.

If there’s a paper trail, we’ll try to uncover it.

11. How can I support your work?

We operate independently and rely on readers to help spread the word.

You can support us by:

• Sharing our articles
• Subscribing to updates
• Linking to our archives

✅ Final Thoughts

Government documents may be dry on the surface-but inside them are stories, coverups, and truths history nearly forgot. Unredacted.info exists to make sure those stories aren’t buried forever.

If you have questions that weren’t answered here, get in touch-we’re always listening.

 

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How to Request Declassified Government Documents

At Unredacted.info, we believe public records should be truly public.

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is one of the most powerful tools available for citizens, researchers, and journalists to access government-held information. But how exactly does a FOIA request work?

Below is a step-by-step guide that walks you through the FOIA process from start to finish, based on best practices and legal procedure.

🔍 What Is FOIA?

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), passed in 1966, grants the public the legal right to access records from any federal agency in the United States. It’s often used to uncover declassified documents, intelligence reports, environmental data, surveillance logs, and more.

However, the process isn’t always straightforward. Some requests are delayed, denied, or heavily redacted. Understanding the FOIA lifecycle can help you get better results.

📄 Step-by-Step: The FOIA Process

 

1. Submitting a FOIA Request

The process begins when a requester submits a formal FOIA request to a specific agency (e.g., FBI, CIA, NSA, Department of Defense). The request should:

• Be as specific as possible
• Include names, dates, events, or subjects
• State that it’s a FOIA request under 5 U.S.C. § 552

Most agencies now accept FOIA requests via email, online portals, or postal mail.

2. Agency Acknowledges Receipt

Once the agency receives your FOIA request, they will:

• Issue a confirmation of receipt
• Assign a tracking number
• Notify you of any processing delays or backlog

This is usually done within 20 working days, though extensions can apply.

3. Agency May Ask for Clarification

If your request is too vague or broad, the agency may ask for clarification. This doesn’t mean denial-it’s a chance to improve your request.

You, the requester, then have the opportunity to:

• Amend or narrow the scope
• Clarify names, dates, or formats
• Choose whether you want a digital copy, physical copy, or inspection

4. Agency Releases Documents

If all goes well, the agency will begin processing your request and eventually respond by:

• Releasing the documents in full
• Partially releasing documents with redactions
• Withholding the documents entirely under specific FOIA exemptions

If documents are released in full, the case is closed.

5. Requester May Appeal

If the documents are heavily redacted, incomplete, or not released at all, you can file an administrative appeal with the agency.

The appeal should:

• Be submitted within 90 calendar days
• Reference the original request and any tracking number
• Clearly state why you believe the agency’s decision is incorrect

6. Agency Responds to the Appeal

After reviewing your appeal, the agency may:

• Grant the appeal and release more documents (in whole or part)
• Deny the appeal, sticking to the original decision

In some cases, even a positive response doesn’t mean 100% release-but often more information is provided.

7. Legal Action (If Necessary)

If your appeal is denied and you still believe the documents should be released, you have the right to file a lawsuit in federal court.

Litigation is the final step and should only be pursued when:

• Administrative remedies are exhausted
• The documents have substantial public interest
• You have legal representation or are familiar with FOIA case law

⚖️ FOIA Exemptions to Know

There are nine official FOIA exemptions that agencies can cite to withhold information. Common ones include:

• Exemption 1 – National security
• Exemption 3 – Statutes that prohibit disclosure
• Exemption 6 – Personal privacy
• Exemption 7 – Law enforcement records

You can often challenge these in appeals, especially when overused or misapplied.

🧠 Pro Tips for Submitting Effective FOIA Requests

• Use precise dates, subjects, and keywords
• Research which agency likely holds the records
• Ask for a fee waiver if the release serves the public interest
• Specify that you’re open to rolling releases of documents
• Follow up periodically-but professionally

🗂 Why It Matters

FOIA requests have revealed:

• CIA mind control programs (MKUltra)
• FBI surveillance of civil rights leaders
• Environmental contamination reports
• UFO / UAP government studies
• Foreign policy communications

Without FOIA, much of this would never be public.