Väestötietojärjestelmät

Väestötietojärjestelmät, or population information systems, are centralized digital databases used by governments to store and manage information about residents and citizens. They underpin the official population register and enable authorities to verify identity, determine eligibility for public services, and support administrative decisions. Core data usually include name, date of birth, gender, personal identity code, current address, civil status, and changes of residence; systems may also record family relationships and guardianship and are linked to other registries such as births, deaths, and migrations.

In Finland, the national system is commonly referred to as Väestötietojärjestelmä and is maintained and coordinated by the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV; Finnish: Digi- ja väestötietovirasto). The DVV manages data quality and secure exchanges among authorities, municipalities, and service providers, supporting services such as identity documents, social benefits, healthcare, education, and taxation. Data processing follows national laws and privacy rules (GDPR); access is restricted to defined purposes, and individuals may access and correct their information under established procedures.

Policy and practice emphasize interoperability, privacy, and secure service delivery. Challenges include ensuring data accuracy, protecting against misuse, and maintaining cybersecurity in an increasingly digitized public sector. Väestötietojärjestelmät enable citizens to access services electronically and support cross‑agency coordination while upholding individuals’ rights under the applicable legal framework.