aktindsigt

Aktindsigt is the Danish term for the right of access to public documents. It is a cornerstone of transparency in public administration, allowing citizens, journalists, and researchers to inspect documents and information held by public authorities in the exercise of official tasks. The right is regulated by Offentlighedsloven (the Public Access to Public Records Act) and applies to central, regional, and municipal authorities as well as other public bodies.

Scope and what can be accessed: Aktindsigt typically covers written documents, emails, memos, reports, case files, and other recorded information created, received, or stored by public authorities in the course of their work. In some cases information is accessible in redacted form if disclosure would prejudice protected interests. The law also covers electronic formats and other non-paper records, but does not grant access to information that is not held by a public authority or that falls under specific exemptions.

Exemptions: Access can be restricted to protect important interests. Common exemptions include personal data, privacy rights of private individuals, confidential official information, internal or pre-decisional material, trade or business secrets, and information related to national security or ongoing law enforcement operations. The exact boundaries are defined by the law and relevant case law, with the principle of proportionality guiding disclosure.

Procedure and remedies: To request aktindsigt, a written or electronic request is sent to the appropriate public authority, which should respond within a prescribed deadline. If access is refused or redacted, the requester can appeal to the same authority or pursue a complaint to the Danish Parliamentary Ombudsman, and potentially seek judicial review.

Impact: Aktindsigt underpins accountability and democratic oversight by enabling scrutiny of public decisions and the use of public resources. It remains subject to specific exemptions and procedural rules to balance openness with privacy and security concerns.