FOIA: Discretionary Disclosure

• The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requires the disclosure of records or documents, unless the information is protected from public disclosure by a statute.
• Record custodians should disclose exempt information as a matter of discretion if that disclosure is not prohibited by law and would not cause any harm to the Postal Service. Under FOIA, this is called “discretionary disclosure.”
• Uncertain whether records qualify for discretionary disclosure? Seek advice.

Making discretionary disclosures whenever possible promotes government transparency and strengthens relationships with customers. It also minimizes the risk of litigation.

And that’s smart business.