Tengiliðaupplýsingar

Tengiliðaupplýsingar, or contact information, refers to the data that identifies and allows communication with an individual or organization. In Icelandic, the term is constructed from “tengiliður” (contact) and “upplýsingar” (information). It typically includes a name, address, phone number, email address, and may also contain additional identifiers such as a national identification number or organizational registration number.

The main purpose of tengiliðaupplýsingar is to facilitate communication, legal notifications, billing, and membership management. In business contexts, organisations collect and store this data to send invoices, marketing materials, or regulatory updates. Individuals provide contact information when registering for services, joining clubs, or entering legal agreements. As data protection standards become more stringent, the use of contact information is governed by laws such as the Icelandic Data Protection Act and the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). These laws require that individuals give informed consent for the collection and processing of their contact details, and provide the right to access, rectify or delete their information.

Public authorities also maintain registries of contact information. The Icelandic registry of citizens (Matrálsins), for example, stores addresses and IDs to enable government services, tax administration, and public safety. Similarly, companies must maintain accurate contact details for employees, contractors, and clients to comply with labor regulations and contractual obligations.

In professional settings, the accuracy of tengiliðaupplýsingar is critical for risk management. Miscommunication due to outdated contacts can lead to financial loss, legal disputes, or non-compliance with regulatory reporting. Therefore, many organisations implement data validation procedures and regular updates, often integrating contact management software or customer relationship management (CRM) systems.