Ask the sender or document owner for the unredacted version
Check whether you have permission to view the hidden content
Use the document’s built-in redaction or revision history features if you are authorized
Look for an accessible alternate copy in your records or archives
Request a formal disclosure through the proper legal or administrative process
If the text is blacked out in an image or PDF, use OCR only on content that is not intentionally redacted
If you do not have authorization, do not attempt to bypass the redaction