The recent Presidential election not only brought a lot of awareness to the process we use to determine our leader, it also shined a spotlight on the Federal Bureau of Investigation - more commonly known as the FBI.  The organization can trace its origins back to 1901, following the assassination of President McKinley.

It's said that the FBI tracks and keeps files on just about everyone.  While it's creative to think that there exists a manilla file folder with our name on it deep in the archives in Washington, D.C. - the actuality is probably a little more boring;  chances are - unless you're the mastermind behind some high-crimes or you're a high-profile person, the bureau hasn't actually assimilated the data it has on you into one comprehensive file;  instead, your name and data would only show up in the countless databases that they can cross-reference (i.e. Social Security numbers, fingerprints, drivers license numbers, addresses, etc).

So what does the FBI have on you?  Finding out is easy. By submitting a request via the Freedom of Information Act, you're allowed access to the FBI's records.  Note that you may be subject to administrative and processing fees.

 

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