Arkistolaissa

Arkistolaissa is the Finnish legislation that governs the creation, maintenance, and accessibility of archives in Finland. Enacted in 1991 and revised several times since, the act provides a comprehensive legal framework for public and private archives, ensuring that records of historical, administrative, and legal value are preserved for future generations.

The act establishes the Finnish National Archives as the central body responsible for national archival affairs. Municipal, regional, and private archives must follow its guidelines and may collaborate with the national institution for training, cataloguing, and digitisation initiatives. Arkistolaissa defines the responsibilities of public authorities and citizens in regards to record keeping, imposing duties to retain and dispose of documents in accordance with the law. It also sets deadlines for the preservation of state, municipal, and personal records, ensuring that documents of societal importance are safeguarded and made available for research and public interest.

Access to archival material is regulated by Arkistolaissa, balancing transparency with privacy and data protection concerns. The act introduces a tiered system of access, where most records are publicly available after a set period, while personal information may remain confidential for a longer time. Exceptions are specified for historical research, genealogical inquiries, and legal proceedings, providing a structured process for requesting restricted documents.

Enforcement of Arkistolaissa is carried out through oversight by the National Archive and the Office of the Auditor General, which can administer penalties for non‑compliance. The act’s provisions are regularly reviewed to align with evolving technology and archival practices, ensuring that Finland’s documentary heritage remains accessible, reliable, and properly protected.