Allmennheten

Allmennheten refers to the general public or the population as a whole. It denotes the audience for whom public information, services, and decisions are intended, and to whom institutions are accountable.

The term is used across law, governance, media, and civil society to distinguish actions and information that should be accessible to the general public from those restricted to specialists or private groups.

Legal context: In Norway, the principle of openness (offentlighet) is central to state governance. Public bodies must usually provide access to documents and information to allmennheten under the Public Access to Information Act (offentleglova). Exemptions apply for sensitive personal data, national security, business confidentiality, and other protected interests. Public consultations and inquiries are often designed to inform allmennheten and solicit feedback.

Examples: Accessibility of government data, consumer notices, public health campaigns, and municipal planning are typically framed as decisions or information in the interest of allmennheten.

Limitations: Allmennhetens access is balanced against privacy rights and security considerations; not all documents are disclosed; requests may be refused or redacted with reasons.

Relation to similar concepts: The term has cognates in Swedish (allmänheten) and Danish (offentligheden). It is related to the concept of offentlighet or the public sphere.