Autoritetsregistre

Autoritetsregistre refers to official registries that enumerate public authorities and the entities that have decision-making powers within a jurisdiction. Such registries typically cover ministries, agencies, regulatory bodies, commissions, regional and local authorities, and publicly owned companies or boards. The purpose is to provide a centralized, authoritative reference to the actors that can exercise statutory powers, enabling transparency, accountability, and easier access to information for citizens, businesses, and researchers.

A typical autoritetsregister includes core information about each authority, such as its official name, legal basis, jurisdiction, and the scope and limits of its powers. Other common data fields describe organizational status, governing bodies or leadership, contact details, and operational or effective dates. Some registers also document licensing requirements, lines of supervision, and the authority’s decision-making procedures. In many cases, the registry is designed to be a living resource, updated regularly to reflect structural changes, mergers, or reorganizations.

Maintenance and governance of such registries are usually the responsibility of a central government department, a judiciary or statistics office, or a dedicated transparency agency. Data is often published as open data and may be accessible via an online portal or API, supporting governance, procurement, regulatory compliance, and academic research. Privacy considerations generally focus on minimizing personal data, with the registry centering on official entities rather than individuals.

Overall, autoritetsregistre function as foundational tools for mapping the landscape of public authority and enhancing public oversight and civic engagement.