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FOIA your way around the world

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FOIA your way around the world

Samantha Sunne
May 11, 2022
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FOIA your way around the world

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Hello again reporters! This newsletter has really taken an international bent since I started teaching abroad. I like it.

Today I’m gonna share a new resource that I am super stoked to have found: RTI Rating. RTI rates - but more importantly, summarizes - FOI laws around the world.

Before this, I relied on GIJN’s list of international FOI laws, which is also very helpful. But RTI breaks each country down by exemptions, fees, appeals, etc.

The website isn’t the greatest - for instance, you basically have to open a country page and Ctrl+F for “fees.” But a global breakdown similar to RCFP’s Open Government Guide is a huge help.

Somewhat unsurprisingly, RTI is missing some countries entirely, like Cuba and North Korea. For this reason, I wouldn’t rely on the “rankings” so much, but still, terrific if you are outside the US or happen to need some records from another country. FOIA the leaders!

Did you miss the last TFR? Wrangle your tabs and bookmarks with Workona

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FOIA your way around the world

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FOIA your way around the world

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Paul
May 11, 2022

Both are good sources. Many countries have software to help people submit FOIAs: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alaveteli

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