julkistettavuutta

Julkistettavuutta refers to the principle of openness and public access to information held by public authorities in Finland. This principle is enshrined in the Finnish Constitution and further regulated by the Act on the Openness of Government Activities. The core idea is that official documents and proceedings should generally be public, unless there is a specific legal reason to restrict access.

The purpose of julkistettavuutta is to promote transparency, accountability, and public participation in governance. By making information accessible, citizens can better understand the decision-making processes of public bodies, monitor their activities, and hold them accountable. It also enables informed public debate and contributes to the overall health of a democratic society.

There are, however, certain exceptions to the principle of openness. These exceptions are narrowly defined and exist to protect legitimate interests, such as national security, the privacy of individuals, commercial secrets, or the integrity of ongoing investigations. When a request for information is denied, the authority must provide justification for the refusal, often referencing the specific legal provisions that permit the restriction. Individuals have the right to appeal decisions regarding access to information. The concept of julkistettavuutta thus balances the public's right to know with the need to protect certain sensitive information.