Fun with FOIA
Demonstrates how to use Freedom of Information Act requests to uncover government surveillance programs and public agency technology practices.
Summary
Cybersecurity researcher and former intelligence analyst Emily Crose presents a guide to utilizing the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) for technical and investigative research in the Crypto and Privacy Village [00:00]. Crose demystifies the administrative process of submitting public records requests to federal agencies, including the FBI and Department of Homeland Security.
The talk provides practical strategies for crafting precise, legally viable requests that avoid common agency exemptions, excessive processing fees, and bureaucratic delays [07:20]. Crose shares case studies of unearthing historical computer crime investigation dossiers, detailing how FBI record-keeping practices (such as FD-302 interview memos) function and demonstrating how researchers can request declassified case materials while preserving personal privacy [14:42, 22:05, 29:38].
(AI summary — Gemini Flash)
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