Informasjonsulikt

Informasjonsulikt is a Norwegian term used in information studies and related fields to describe conditions where information is not evenly distributed or is of differing quality among actors, leading to informational inequality. The concept focuses on disparities in access, completeness, timeliness, or credibility of information that affect decision-making and power dynamics.

Etymology and usage notes. The word is formed from informasjons- (information) and ulikt, the neuter form of the adjective ulik, meaning different or dissimilar. The suffix -t helps it function as an adjective describing information-related phenomena. In practice, informasjonsulikt is employed to discuss situations where one party has a clearer, fuller, or more timely information set than another, without necessarily implying a deliberate act.

Contexts and implications. The term is used in discussions of governance, business negotiations, and digital platforms to highlight qualitative disparities in information access. It is related to, but distinct from, informasjonsasymmetri, which emphasizes asymmetry in knowledge or bargaining power. In informasjonsulikt analyses, attention is given to how information design, data availability, transparency, and user access create unequal footing between stakeholders, potentially affecting outcomes such as pricing, trust, and efficiency.

Examples. A consumer may experience informasjonsulikt when product specifications are readily available to the seller but are incomplete or inaccessible to the buyer. Similarly, a platform might expose users to data practices that favor the service provider over user privacy or control.

See also. informasjonsasymmetri, åpen data, transparens.