What are "exemptions" in the context of the FOI Act?

Exemptions in the context of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act refer to specific categories of information that are legally protected from disclosure. These exemptions are put in place to balance the public's right to know against the need to protect sensitive information. For instance, certain information related to national security, personal privacy, or law enforcement may be exempt to ensure that the disclosure of such information does not compromise safety, privacy, or the effective functioning of public institutions.

Understanding this concept is crucial, as it highlights the reasoning behind why some information is not available to the public despite general transparency principles. The existence of exemptions is vital to maintaining confidentiality in areas where disclosure could have serious repercussions.