Käyttönimet

Käyttönimet, often abbreviated as KN, refers to a system of identifiers used in Finland to manage and track individuals, particularly in the context of social welfare and public services. The system was introduced in the 1970s to replace earlier identification methods and has since become an integral part of Finnish administrative practices.

Each KN is a unique, 11-digit number assigned to every Finnish resident upon their first contact with public authorities. This number is used to link various records and services, ensuring consistency and preventing duplication. The KN is not linked to personal information such as name or address, maintaining privacy and security.

The KN system is managed by the Population Register Centre of Finland, which is responsible for maintaining the population register and ensuring the accuracy and confidentiality of the data. The system is crucial for delivering public services, such as healthcare, education, and social welfare, as it allows for seamless integration of information across different agencies.

The use of KN has been a subject of debate, with concerns raised about privacy and the potential for misuse of personal data. However, the system has been designed with robust security measures to protect individual privacy, and it is considered essential for the efficient delivery of public services in Finland.

In summary, Käyttönimet is a vital identification system in Finland, enabling the efficient management and delivery of public services while maintaining individual privacy.