Tietosuojavaltuutetulle

Tietosuojavaltuutettu is Finland’s independent authority responsible for supervising the application of data protection laws, including the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Finnish Data Protection Act. The phrase Tietosuojavaltuutetulle is the illative form used in Finnish to indicate the recipient of a petition or inquiry: “to the Data Protection Ombudsman.”

The ombudsman is appointed by the Parliament for a fixed term defined by law and operates independently from government ministries. The office is based in Helsinki and serves residents and organizations in Finnish and Swedish, with services available in other languages as needed. The role combines public accountability with practical guidance on privacy rights and obligations.

Key functions include supervising the processing of personal data by both public authorities and private entities, handling individual complaints about personal data processing, and conducting investigations into suspected violations. The office issues guidance, opinions, warnings, and, when necessary, binding decisions or orders to remedy noncompliance. It also participates in cross-border data protection matters in cooperation with other EU supervisory authorities and the European Data Protection Board.

Individuals can lodge complaints with the Ombudsman if they believe their privacy rights have been violated or ask for guidance on compliant data practices. Communications addressed to the office may appear with the recipient indicated as Tietosuojavaltuutetulle. The office publishes annual reports and guidance to promote transparency and understanding of data protection rights. Official information and contact details are available on the website tietosuoja.fi.