datatilgangslaget

Datatilgangslaget, translating to the Data Access Act, is a legislative framework governing access to digital data held by public authorities and, in some contexts, by private actors. The act is designed to increase transparency, accountability, and democratic oversight while safeguarding individuals' privacy and data security. It typically regulates who may request access, which data may be disclosed, and under what circumstances.

Key terms include data controller, data processor, data subject, and data request. The act distinguishes between personal data protected by privacy law and non-personal data that may be released more freely. It normally provides individuals with a right to access their own personal data held by public bodies and, in many cases, by private organizations processing such data. It also enables researchers, journalists, or other authorized actors to obtain data under specific conditions, often with safeguards.

Procedures require public authorities and certain private entities to establish formal processes for handling requests, respond within statutory time limits, and provide a description of data and purposes. Exemptions may apply for matters involving national security, ongoing investigations, business confidentiality, or sensitive personal information. Decisions can typically be reviewed by an independent supervisory authority and, if necessary, by the courts.

The act interacts with broader data protection laws, such as the general data protection regulation or national privacy statutes, and with freedom of information or public records laws. Critics often discuss trade-offs between transparency and privacy, administrative burden, and potential privacy risks from data disclosure.

See also: data protection, freedom of information, GDPR, public records law.