Kehtivust

Kehtivust is a term used in Finnish discourse to describe the state or condition of validity of a digital item, such as documents, records, or credentials, at a given moment. In practice, kehtivust encompasses whether an item remains legally binding, technically verifiable, and regulatorily compliant as circumstances change. Because the term is not universally standardized, its exact definition can vary by domain and jurisdiction, but it typically integrates legal validity, cryptographic integrity, and operational usability.

Etymology and conceptually related ideas: The word derives from Finnish kehtivä (valid) with the abstracting suffix -ust, forming a noun that denotes a state or condition. In information governance, kehtivust is often discussed alongside validation, authenticity, and retention planning, serving as a practical shorthand for ongoing assessment of an item’s credibility and enforceability over time.

Applications: In contract management, e‑invoicing, and digital archiving, kehtivust guides decisions about whether items should be treated as active or eligible for revision, renewal, or removal. For digital signatures and certificates, kehtivust depends on the status of certificate authorities, revocation checks, expiration dates, and compatibility with current verification processes. In long‑term preservation, it informs strategies for maintaining verifiable authenticity as technologies and regulations evolve.

History and reception: The term is used primarily in Finnish IT governance and municipal contexts and is not yet a standardized concept across all jurisdictions. Critics note that interpretations of kehtivust can be ambiguous when crossing legal and technical frameworks.