A FOIA release is the version of a file you give a requester under the Freedom of Information Act. Exemption 7(C) (5 U.S.C. §552) lets you withhold PII in law-enforcement files when disclosure would invade personal privacy. anonym.plus marks that data on your device.
When this applies
A requester asks for an investigative file. It names suspects, agents, and witnesses whose privacy Exemption 7(C) is meant to protect.
How anonym.plus handles it
- Open the investigative file in anonym.plus on your device.
- Local OCR reads scanned pages and faxes too.
- The tool flags names, badge numbers, and contacts.
- Decide which identities the exemption protects.
- Black out each one, then check the page for misses.
- Save the cleared version on your machine.
What you need to provide
- The investigative file (PDF, DOCX, or scan).
- An operator: Redact for the public release copy.
- Optional rules to keep agency case codes that are not PII.
PII entity types detected
| Category | anonym.plus entity type | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Names | PERSON | witness name → [PERSON] |
| Identifiers | NATIONAL_ID | badge no. 4471 → [ID] |
| Contact | PHONE_NUMBER | 202-555-0166 → [PHONE] |
| Location | LOCATION | home address → [ADDRESS] |
| Dates | DATE_TIME | DOB 04/1971 → [DOB] |
| Names | PERSON | agent name → [PERSON] |
Compliance achieved
- Supports a withholding under FOIA Exemption 7(C) (5 U.S.C. §552).
- Hides personal PII in law-enforcement files before public release.
- Offline work keeps a sensitive investigative file on-site.
- Local OCR lifts text from scanned exhibits for review.
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Limitations & cautions
Exemption 7(C) needs you to weigh privacy against public interest. The tool flags PII; the exemption call is yours. It cannot judge whether disclosure serves the public good. Document each withholding in your response log.
Frequently asked questions
When does Exemption 7(C) apply?
It covers PII in records compiled for law enforcement when disclosure could reasonably invade personal privacy. You balance that privacy against the public interest.
Are agent names always withheld?
Not always. Courts weigh each case. anonym.plus flags agent and witness names so you can apply your agency's standard and the balancing test.
Can it handle scanned case files?
Yes. Local OCR reads scanned pages and faxes, so PII in image files is flagged with the typed text.