Väestörekisterikeskusin

The Väestörekisterikeskus, often translated as the Population Register Centre, was a Finnish government agency responsible for maintaining the national population register and related information systems. Its primary function was to ensure the accuracy and accessibility of personal data for all residents of Finland.

Established in its modern form, the agency played a crucial role in various aspects of Finnish society. It managed the Population Information System, which contained details such as names, personal identity codes, addresses, and family relationships. This system was fundamental for many public and private sector services, including healthcare, taxation, voting, and social security.

Beyond data management, the Väestörekisterikeskus was also involved in issuing electronic identification services, such as the Finnish identity card and the mobile ID. These services facilitated secure online transactions and access to digital government services. The agency also oversaw the National Land Survey of Finland's geographical information systems, contributing to land management and spatial planning.

In 2020, the Väestörekisterikeskus was merged with the Finnish Digital Agency to form the Finnish Digital and Population Data Service Agency (Digi- ja väestötietovirasto). This merger aimed to streamline government services and enhance the efficiency of digital and population data management in Finland. The legacy of the Väestörekisterikeskus continues within the new agency, maintaining its core functions of data integrity and digital service provision.