Registermyndighet

Registermyndighet, or register authority, is a government body responsible for creating, maintaining, and governing official public registers that contain information about individuals, businesses, and other legal entities. Its remit includes ensuring data quality, consistency, and up-to-date records, as well as administering official identifiers that are used across government services. The authority coordinates data collection, validation, storage, and updates across registers, and often works to link data through common identifiers to enable integrated administration and statistics.

Core functions typically include establishing and maintaining registers, managing data quality controls, and ensuring interoperability between different registers. It may issue rules for data collection, retention, redaction, and destruction, and oversee processes for correcting errors. The registermyndighet often provides services that facilitate data exchange through metadata, standards, APIs, and approved data extraction tools.

Access to register data is governed by legal frameworks. A register authority determines who may access data, under what conditions, and for what purposes, balancing transparency with privacy. It establishes data-sharing agreements, authentication requirements, and safeguards to protect sensitive information while enabling legitimate public and professional use.

Privacy and security are central concerns. The agency must comply with data protection laws, maintain confidentiality, perform risk and vulnerability assessments, and implement cybersecurity measures. Public oversight and auditing help ensure accountability and corrects inaccuracies.

Governance typically involves statutory mandates, with oversight by ministries or parliaments. The registermyndighet may participate in national data governance strategies, set quality standards, and coordinate with other authorities to support efficient public services, taxation, social security, and planning.

See also: public registers, data governance, personal identity numbers, data protection.