informationsförfrågan

Informationsförfrågan is a term used to describe a request for information held by an organization or authority. It can be formal or informal and may be directed at public authorities or private entities, seeking access to documents, data, or other information. In the context of public administration, such requests often relate to the principle of public access to official documents, which allows citizens and others to obtain copies of records held by government agencies, subject to exemptions.

In Sweden, the handling of information requests for public bodies is governed by the offentlighetsprincipen (principle of public access) and regulated by the offentlighets- och sekretesslagen (Public and Secrecy Act) among other laws. A request may lead to full disclosure, partial disclosure with redactions, or a refusal, depending on the relevance and the applicable secrecy or privacy rules. The scope and nature of the information sought, the authority to which the request is directed, and any relevant time frame influence the outcome.

The process typically involves clearly identifying the information sought and submitting the request to the appropriate office, often via email, a formal letter, or an online portal. Authorities strive to respond within established time limits, though the complexity of the request can affect the duration. If access is denied or limited, the requester generally has avenues for internal review and, if needed, appeals to supervisory bodies or courts.

Beyond public bodies, the term is also used in private sectors to refer to requests for personal data or other information held by companies. When personal data is involved, rights under data protection laws, such as the GDPR, may apply, enabling access and other protections for individuals.