Beaufort releases exempt records by mistake, but details remain unclear
The City of Beaufort acknowledged that they accidentally released “exempt” information to an individual who submitted a public records request.
The information was “exempt from disclosure and should not have been produced,” according to a Tuesday press release, and the city is continuing to assess if and how far the information was spread after staff “immediately” removed the recipient’s access to the affected files.
Questions about the nature of the released information — and if or how widely the information was shared — could not be answered by the city’s public information officer, Ashley Brandon. She “was not at liberty” to disclose the city’s process of ensuring the information was not circulated further. Brandon emphasized that the release was not intentional, and that the error was made due to a software issue.
The release took place before the city launched a new public records management platform last week, said Brandon. The system reduces “the likelihood of future disclosure errors,” according to the press release.
What could be considered “exempt” information?
Public bodies in South Carolina — such as counties, townships, school districts, or any organization, corporation or agency supported in part or whole by public funds — must comply with the state’s Freedom of Information Act, which allows records and meetings of public bodies to be open to the public.
The act outlines categories that are exempt from being shared with the public.
Personal information like social security numbers, home addresses or medical records, trade secrets, legal correspondences that violate the attorney-client privilege, contract documents until the contract is completed, and industrial development offers until the offer is accepted and announced are the kinds of information that can be exempt from public disclosure, according to the state’s press association.
Exemptions for public records are discretionary by public bodies in South Carolina, not mandatory, according to the press association.
This story was originally published August 7, 2025 at 2:59 PM.
