FOIA REDACTION (FRED) TOOL
Description
FRED is designed to support FOIA staff in redacting records more efficiently and consistently. FOIA redaction can be a time-consuming process and experience large back-logs of requested documents. It aims to use AI to analyze, identify, and generate predictions of text for redaction, thereby improving the efficiency of FOIA response processing.
Detailed example
FRED produces a PDF with boxes around text that it recommends for redaction along with comments for the redaction code
AI / analytics pattern
Generative AI: AI that generates new or synthetic content (e.g., images, videos, audio, text, code).
Automation level / stage
c) Deployed – The use case is being actively authorized or utilized to support the functions or mission of an agency.
Expected benefit
More efficient releases of documents in response to FOIA requests, reduction in back-logs, helping ensure public access to government information while protecting sensitive data appropriately.
Audit / financial statement impact
FRED should not be considered a high-impact AI use case because: a. It operates as a recommendation system only, with mandatory human review and approval required for all outputs. b. No automated decisions are made - humans retain full control over all redaction decisions. c. It serves as an assistive tool to improve efficiency while maintaining human oversight and accountability for all FOIA compliance decisions.
Controls / human review
ATO: Yes; PIA: Not published
Data needed
Completed 483 forms before redaction and versions of those forms after redaction by FDA staff