The FBI maintains files on people and organizations of interest, with information added as it is acquired. Any activity that could pose a threat to national security is recorded. The FBI has declassified files on historically interesting people and organizations, and individuals can request a copy of their own FBI file under the Freedom of Information Act.
An FBI file is a dossier of information maintained by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Such files are used to track people and organizations of interest to the FBI, and many people have such files, even though the contents may not be very interesting. In the early 21st century, thanks to laws like the Patriot Act, many intelligence agencies, including the FBI, established systems to share information with each other, potentially making such record keeping more efficient.
There are a number of reasons the FBI opens a file on someone. Both American citizens and foreign citizens have files with the FBI, and the intelligence agency maintains numerous files on many important people. As a general rule, any type of activity that could potentially pose a threat to national security is recorded in an FBI file. For example, someone who regularly participates in protests might have an FBI file, as the intelligence agency could identify this person as a potential radical. Of course, royal radicals also tend to have extensive FBI files recording their activities, known associates, and so on.
The information in an FBI file can be very varied and very extensive. Agents typically add information as they acquire it, making notes about a subject’s movements and who they interact with. FBI files may also include wiretap transcripts, subpoenaed bank records, and other information that has been gleaned about an individual.
Along with other agencies, the FBI has a large database of declassified files on historically interesting people. The intelligence agency maintains an electronic reading room for people who want to read FBI files on people like Albert Einstein, Groucho Marx, and the Zodiac Killer, along with organizations like Greenpeace, among many others. Some of these documents may have parts omitted, but they are still quite interesting to read and can provide some interesting historical context.
You can also get a copy of your FBI file if you have one. Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), the FBI must provide you with a copy of your file if you make a formal request. Please note that due to security concerns, your file may have parts that are blacked out. You can also obtain FBI files on deceased family members and people or organizations of historical interest. Filing a FOIA request is free; directions are available on the FBI website.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
