Analyzing FDA Freedom of Information Act data reveals that request success is determined primarily by the subject matter rather than the identity of the requester. Topics involving follow-on requests demonstrate high success rates due to prior established context, whereas inquiries into sensitive enforcement actions or internal meeting minutes face significant resistance. This pattern suggests that the agency’s compliance is driven by the timing and nature of the information sought, particularly whether it concerns ongoing investigations or policy-making. Furthermore, while individual requesters’ success rates vary, the data indicates a rational system where competence and proper timing matter more than corporate privilege. High-volume requesters do not appear to "game" the system; instead, their outcomes align with the general success probabilities of the specific topics they pursue. This implies that effective FOIA strategies rely on precise targeting and patience rather than influential standing, ensuring that access to information remains equitable and based on procedural merit. For the open data community, this analysis highlights critical inefficiencies in government transparency, specifically the excessive delays that render information obsolete. With a significant portion of requests taking years to resolve, the current framework undermines the utility of released data. Improving response times is essential for maintaining the value of open data ecosystems, requiring structural reforms beyond the agency to ensure timely access for media, researchers, and the public.
Source:Published on 2023-05-03
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