arkistolakia

Arkistolaki is the Finnish term for the Archives Act. This legislation governs the management, preservation, and accessibility of public archives in Finland. The primary purpose of the Arkistolaki is to ensure that official documents and records are systematically collected, preserved, and made available for use, both for administrative purposes and for historical research.

The Act defines what constitutes a public archive and outlines the responsibilities of various public bodies in relation to their records. It mandates that public authorities must have systems in place for the proper management of their documents throughout their lifecycle, from creation to permanent preservation or destruction. This includes establishing retention periods for different types of records.

The Arkistolaki also addresses the principles of open access to public documents, while also specifying the conditions under which access may be restricted, such as for the protection of privacy, national security, or commercial secrets. The National Archives of Finland plays a central role in overseeing the implementation of the Archives Act, providing guidance and exercising supervision over archival practices. The Act is crucial for maintaining transparency, accountability, and the historical memory of the Finnish state.