The #1 Thing the Government Miss in Information Governance: Integration
The #1 Thing the Government Miss in Information Governance: Integration
One pattern I see across our field — whether you're in FOIA, Records Management, or Privacy — is that we typically treat these disciplines as if they operate in separate universes.
I often speak on this.
Technologies usually get built in silos. Software gets designed for one law at a time. And the result is predictable: gaps, inefficiencies, and missed opportunities.
But here’s the truth many overlook
FOIA, Records Management, and Privacy are the three core laws that govern information in the federal government.
They are interconnected — deeply.
Yet most tools on the market don’t reflect that reality.
We see
- FOIA platforms that can’t help locate records
- Records systems that don’t account for disclosure risk
- Privacy tools that don’t integrate with retention or access workflows
The bigger picture gets lost.
Imagine if we had one ecosystem that understood all three laws, their intersections, and the operational realities behind them. A system that could locate records, assess privacy implications, and support FOIA workflows, all in one place.
This would not only make the government more operational efficient, but this would better serve the American people, which is the ultimate goal!
It is key to remember that integration isn’t just a technology challenge, it’s a mindset shift. And it’s one that the field of FOIA, Records Management and Privacy often overlooks.
Related reading: More insights from Dr. Moya Hill | Explore the Unified Information Governance Model
