Beaufort, SC (August 5, 2025) - In responding to a recent Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request from an individual, the City of Beaufort inadvertently disclosed information that was exempt from disclosure and should not have been produced. Upon becoming aware of the issue, City staff immediately removed access to the affected files. The City is currently assessing the scope of the disclosure, ensuring that there is no further dissemination of the information, and notifying any impacted individuals.
“The City is committed to operating with transparency while fully complying with FOIA requirements, including the safeguarding of information that is exempt from public release,” said City Manager Scott Marshall. “We take this matter seriously and are closely reviewing our internal procedures to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The launch of our new NextRequest system marks an important step forward in strengthening these safeguards.”
Following a comprehensive evaluation and implementation process that began in February 2025, the City launched its new FOIA management platform this past week. The system enhances data security, incorporates built-in safeguards, and significantly reduces response times, staff workload, and the likelihood of future disclosure errors. FOIA requests can now be submitted online via the City’s NextRequest portal at https://cityofbeaufortsc.nextrequest.com/.
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