Kompatibilitetslag

Kompatibilitetslag, literally translated as "compatibility act," is a term used in Nordic policy discourse to describe a proposed or hypothetical statutory framework intended to ensure interoperability among digital systems, products, and services. The concept emphasizes harmonization of standards, data formats, and interfaces to enable smooth collaboration across sectors and borders.

Scope and objectives

A typical kompatibilitetslag would apply to public authorities, contractors, and providers delivering essential services or operating in critical sectors such as public administration, telecommunications, transport, and healthcare. Its main goals are to reduce fragmentation, promote open or widely adopted standards, facilitate cross‑border compatibility within the internal market, and support data portability and service continuity.

Key provisions

Core elements commonly associated with such a law include mandatory adoption of agreed open standards, interoperability testing and certification, publication of interface specifications and APIs, and requirements for accessibility and security. The act may also address documentation, data formats, and transitional arrangements for legacy systems, alongside enforcement mechanisms, penalties for non‑compliance, and clear channels for complaints and remedies. A designated regulatory body would typically oversee compliance and maintain updated standards roadmaps.

Implementation and impact

National implementations would often align with European Union interoperability directives or similar regional frameworks, with authorities issuing guidance and funding to help organizations upgrade systems. Support for small and medium-sized enterprises is often emphasized to mitigate compliance costs. Critics may argue that rigid standards risk slowing innovation or imposing burdens on legacy infrastructure, underscoring the need for periodic reviews and stakeholder consultation.

See also

Interoperability, standardization, conformity assessment, digital service standards.