If you are seeking non-public FTC records concerning you or your dependent, you must fill out a Privacy Act request.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: All requests should be made through the Public Access Link (PAL) or sent to FOIA@ftc.gov, as we cannot guarantee timely receipt of Privacy Act requests sent through the mail at this time.
How To Make a Privacy Act Request
You can submit a request online or through postal mail, but submitting the request online is the most efficient method.
The Privacy Act of 1974 requires additional identification to obtain agency records about yourself or a specific individual. 5 U.S.C. § 552a(b). If you are requesting records about yourself, we are required to verify your identity before releasing your records. If you are a third-party requesting records about a specific individual, that individual is required to authorize the release of records. If submitting a Privacy Act request, you must submit your request and verify through any of the following options below:
1. You can provide digital authentication through Login.gov. To digitally authenticate your identity, click the button marked Verify ID. If you choose to verify your identity digitally, we will consider that a certification of your identity and your consent to allow you to access your information protected by the Privacy Act. See 5 U.S.C. §§ 552 a(b), (d)(1).
2. You can complete, sign and submit a Request for Access to Records Protected Under the Privacy Act Form ("Privacy Act Form"). Please fill in the digital PDF, or print the form and complete it, scan the form to create an electronic form, and attach the form by clicking the button marked Upload Attachment. This form also provides certification of your identity and your consent to access your information covered by the Privacy Act. See 5 U.S.C. §§ 552a(b), (d)(1).
3. Email your request with the signed Privacy Act form to FOIA@ftc.gov.
4. Send your request via postal mail with the signed Privacy Act form included to the following address:
Office of General Counsel
Federal Trade Commission
600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20580
Privacy Act Contacts
Privacy Act Requester Service Center: (202) 326-2430
Privacy Act Public Liaison: Richard Gold, (202) 326-3355