What is a FOI exception?

• A. A general guideline on handling public information
• B. A specific reason outlined in the law that justifies withholding information from disclosure
• C. A recommendation for improving FOI practices
• D. A type of information that is automatically accessible

Answer: (B)

A FOI exception refers to a specific reason defined by legislation that allows an entity to withhold certain information from public disclosure. These exceptions are essential components of Freedom of Information laws because they balance the need for transparency with the necessity of protecting sensitive information, such as personal data, national security concerns, or proprietary business information.

When a request for information is made, if the information falls under one of these exceptions, the entity may legally refuse to release it without violating the law. Understanding these exceptions is crucial for both the requestors and the organizations responding to FOI requests, as they delineate the boundaries of public access to information and highlight the importance of protecting certain interests.

The other choices do not accurately capture what a FOI exception entails. General guidelines, recommendations for practices, and types of automatically accessible information do not provide the specific legal framework needed to justify withholding information, which is the core function of FOI exceptions.