Freedom of Information Act—Exemption for Confidential Private-Sector Information

Food Marketing Institute v. Argues Leader Media, No. 18-481

The Freedom of Information Act entitles individuals to request information within the Government’s possession, subject to certain exemptions. Exemption 4 protects from disclosure all “confidential” private-sector “commercial or financial information.” Today, the Supreme Court granted certiorari to consider whether and to what extent proof of competitive harm is necessary for information to be “confidential” under Exemption 4.