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Comment by mb0 | Hacker News Reader

I imagine most of the people who have sent FOIA requests are people who take their privacy seriously. Regular people don't 1) know that they can do this, 2) know the procedure for filing a request, 3) don't have time to do it, or think that they don't have enough time. Maybe a campaign could be organized to have hundreds or thousands of of regular people send requests. Get the required paperwork setup in an easy template, organize free postage for the letters, people just have to provide some basic information, sign a sheet of paper, and provide a return address. A lot more unrest would build up if the NSA refused to give information to more people, and their refusals could become big news.

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Well, it just so happens we are on the domain of YCombinator and Sillicon Valley. If Paul Graham were to rally his immense network of founder alumni to do this, we could get some big fish that could make waves, as in new stories. It might even reach celebrities who have dabbled in startup investing.

I wouldn't even begin to count on it though, and I find Sillicon Valley depressive for that. All the unchecked progress and ad-driven, you-are-the-product business models are fueling surveillance efforts to no end, but why would they be inconvenienced in taking a stand and giving something back?

If it's so easy, we can do it ourselves. And then show it off to HN and rally pg's network ;)

No need to be depressed yet--though I do understand your sentiments.

Can anyone provide links for information about FOIAs... I know I know I should RTFM and Google it--but if someone has some knowledge about this already, I'd really appreciate it.

I'm interested in the possibility of working to set this up. This seems like a very very good idea. Nothing would be more glaring to me personally than to receive a letter back from the government saying I can't know what they have on me. I think many people would feel similarly.

But I think it will only work if it really is as easy as filling out a form or a fairly easy PDF/etc.

If so, perhaps something as simple as a nice domain and a pretty WP theme with some well-written copy could turn this idea to reality...

Any other takers?

A good place to start is http://www.foia.gov/

The specific information required for a request varies by agency, as do any fees. Most of them now provide online forms on their sites.

While I was the FOIA/Privacy Act coordinator/liaison for one of the commands I was attached to while in the Navy, we generally accepted any form of written request, provided the person included their full name, postal address, phone number and a detailed enough description of the information they were requesting.

If you like videos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQzSpk3hdNM

A presentation by an author publishing a book about the history of phone phreaking. The discussion is focused on his experience dealing with FOIA submissions. I found it informative as a real life explanation of the timeline for requests and how much is redacted.

Are they required to response, and if so, what are the ramifications for failing this?

This is one of those things that I feel, in my heart, should be organized.

They have 20 days to respond to the initial request. If they don't respond, the first step should be to submit an administrative appeal to the FOIA contact for the agency. They have 20 days to respond to your appeal. If that appeal is denied or you still don't get a response, you can file a lawsuit in your nearest US District Court (the statue of limitations is 6 years). The agency will respond to the complaint, and you'll know whether it's worth your time to pursue it.

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