Charles Gordon, a retired attorney from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), has expressed support for integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into the processing of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. In a recent letter, Gordon highlighted the persistent challenges faced by FOIA offices, including underfunding and heavy workloads, which often result in significant delays for those seeking government records.

Gordon argues that AI technology could enhance the efficiency of FOIA processing by accelerating document searches and improving the speed and accuracy of redactions. He suggests that AI tools may also help maintain greater consistency in how requests are handled across different agencies, potentially reducing the burden on staff and streamlining workflow.

According to Gordon, the complexity and detail-oriented nature of FOIA administration make it particularly suitable for AI assistance. By adopting these technologies, agencies might better manage the volume of requests while increasing transparency and boosting requester confidence that their inquiries are addressed properly.

While AI adoption in government transparency efforts raises questions about accuracy, privacy, and oversight, Gordon’s letter underscores the potential benefits of leveraging emerging technologies to modernize FOIA operations amid growing demand and limited resources.