On December 23, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security issued a final rule amending its regulations to clarify that Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Privacy Act requests generally must be submitted through DHS web portals or via FOIA.gov, rather than by email, fax, or mail. The revised regulations permit alternative submission methods only in limited circumstances—for example, for incarcerated individuals or others who are unable to submit requests online.
DHS did not solicit public comment on the rule. The final rule takes effect on January 22, 2026.