Which act governs the release and disclosure of certain information by the federal government?

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is the legislation that governs the release and disclosure of certain information by the federal government. Enacted in 1966, FOIA allows the public to request access to records from any federal agency, promoting transparency and accountability. It is designed to ensure that citizens can obtain information about the operations and decisions of their government, thereby reinforcing democratic principles and enabling informed public participation.

The act provides specific guidelines about what information can be disclosed and outlines the process for individuals to file requests. While there are exemptions that protect sensitive information, such as national security and personal privacy, FOIA is fundamental in empowering the public to understand government actions and to hold it accountable.

In contrast, the Privacy Act primarily governs the dissemination of personally identifiable information by federal agencies, while the Administrative Procedures Act relates to the processes of federal rulemaking and agency actions. The Federal Communications Act regulates communications and media, encompassing different aspects than information disclosure by the government. Thus, when focusing specifically on the release of government-held information, the Freedom of Information Act is the correct answer.