A new, specialized search engine and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request facilitator has been launched, specifically designed to aid in the retrieval of United States veteran records. This resource, hosted at birls.org, aims to streamline and simplify the often complex and time-consuming process of obtaining these vital documents. Traditionally, requesting information through the FOIA has involved navigating bureaucratic hurdles, including locating the correct agency, understanding the specific requirements for each agency, and managing the often lengthy waiting periods. This new tool seeks to mitigate these challenges by providing a user-friendly interface for searching existing records and a streamlined, web-based system for submitting FOIA requests, specifically leveraging fax technology to interact with government agencies. The implied benefit is a more accessible and efficient method for veterans, their families, researchers, and other interested parties to access crucial information pertaining to military service. The website itself presumably hosts a searchable database of already digitized veteran records, allowing users to potentially find information without needing to file a formal request. For records not yet digitized or publicly available, the integrated FOIA request system purports to simplify the process by automatically generating and submitting the necessary paperwork via fax to the relevant government entity, potentially reducing processing time and administrative overhead for the user. This service is being offered free of charge, further lowering the barrier to entry for individuals seeking these records.
Summary of Comments ( 38 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42680048
HN users generally expressed skepticism and concern about the project's viability and potential security issues. Several commenters questioned the need for faxing FOIA requests, highlighting existing online portals and email options. Others worried about the security implications of handling sensitive veteran data, particularly with a fax-based system. The project's reliance on OCR was also criticized, with users pointing out its inherent inaccuracy. Some questioned the search engine's value proposition, given the existence of established genealogy resources. Finally, the lack of clarity surrounding the project's funding and the developer's qualifications raised concerns about its long-term sustainability and trustworthiness.
The Hacker News post titled "Show HN: New search engine and free-FOIA-by-fax-via-web for US veteran records" linking to birls.org generated several comments, largely focusing on the practicalities and potential impact of the service.
Several commenters expressed appreciation for the service, highlighting the difficulty and often prohibitive cost usually associated with obtaining veteran records. They saw this as a valuable tool for veterans, their families, and researchers seeking information. The simplification of the FOIA request process via fax automation was specifically praised.
Some questioned the legality of charging for expedited processing of FOIA requests, a feature mentioned on the site. This sparked a discussion around the nuances of FOIA law and whether the service was charging for the expedited processing itself or for the value-added service of preparing and submitting the request.
Technical aspects of the service were also discussed. One commenter inquired about the search engine's underlying data source and indexing methods. Another questioned the choice of fax as the communication medium, suggesting more modern, potentially more efficient methods. The reliance on fax was explained by the creator as a workaround for government agencies that are slow to adopt modern technology, particularly regarding FOIA requests.
The creator of the website actively participated in the discussion, responding to questions and clarifying the service's functionality and purpose. They explained the motivation behind the project, emphasizing the desire to make veteran records more accessible. They also addressed the pricing model, stating the fee was for the service provided and not for the expedited processing itself, which is at the discretion of the government agency.
Overall, the comments section reflected a mixture of enthusiasm for the service's potential to simplify access to veteran records, queries about its technical implementation and legal aspects, and appreciation for the creator's initiative in tackling a complex bureaucratic process. The discussion highlights the challenges of navigating the FOIA process and the need for services that can bridge the gap between individuals and government information.