This educational guide is based on the linked primary sources. It is not a Court publication, is not affiliated with the Court, and is not legal advice.
In brief
Overview
According to Chief Justice Roberts, chief Justice Roberts announced that the Court would hear argument first this morning.
Background and question before the Court
The case centers on whether the word “personal” in FOIA Exemption 7(C) includes corporations.
What each side argues
Federal Communications Commission (Petitioner)
Source-limited. The record does not yet support a complete account.
AT&T (Respondent)
AT&T argues that because Congress defined “person” to include corporations, the adjective “personal” should also include corporations.
What happened at oral argument
According to Chief Justice Roberts, chief Justice Roberts opened the argument by announcing the case.
Justice Alito asked whether “personal” can refer to a corporation in certain legal contexts.
According to Justice Ginsburg, justice Ginsburg inquired about “personal appearances.”
Justice Kennedy asked whether a corporation could make a FOIA objection on behalf of its employees.
Justice Sotomayor asked whether an individual’s name would be disclosed in a FOIA request concerning an FBI investigation.
Justice Sotomayor also asked how the phrase “unwanted invasion on personal privacy” in Exemption 6 should be interpreted.
- [1] 71185a8169713e08bb39-r1-679ef302e05d41d3.pdf, p. 3
- [2] 71185a8169713e08bb39-r1-679ef302e05d41d3.pdf, p. 4
- [3] 71185a8169713e08bb39-r1-679ef302e05d41d3.pdf, p. 5
- [4] 71185a8169713e08bb39-r1-679ef302e05d41d3.pdf, p. 8
- [5] 71185a8169713e08bb39-r1-679ef302e05d41d3.pdf, p. 20
- [6] 71185a8169713e08bb39-r1-679ef302e05d41d3.pdf, p. 38
What the Court decided
Why it matters
Respondents contend that the definition of “personal” determines the reach of privacy protections under FOIA exemptions for both individuals and corporations.
Terms to know
No glossary terms are available for this guide.
Primary sources
Read the source materials on the official site or open the immutable repository copy used for this guide.
- 71185a8169713e08bb39-r1-679ef302e05d41d3.pdforal argument transcript
Guide generated September 23, 2026. Automated validation accepted this version.