kuluttajatiedon

Kuluttajatieto (kuluttajatiedon) is a concept in Finnish consumer policy referring to information that enables consumers to make informed choices about goods and services. It encompasses data on product features, prices, terms of sale, warranties, rights, safety warnings, and privacy practices, as well as guidance on how to compare alternatives and recognize scams. The term covers both official information provided by public authorities and information produced by businesses, consumer organizations, media, and online platforms. Reliability, clarity, and accessibility are central to effective kuluttajatieto, including language appropriate for diverse audiences and accessible formats for people with disabilities.

Key sources of kuluttajatieto include national and EU consumer protection authorities, such as the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority (Kilpailu- ja kuluttajavirasto, KKV), consumer protection organizations, standard labeling schemes, product safety notices, and consumer advice portals. Businesses disclose terms, warranties and privacy policies; media and independent review sites offer evaluations; and digital tools provide price comparisons and safety alerts.

The purpose of kuluttajatieto is to reduce information asymmetry in markets, supporting fair competition and safer purchases, enhancing consumer rights awareness, and enabling evidence-based decision-making. In the digital age, kuluttajatieto faces challenges such as misinformation, persuasive marketing, complex contracts, cross-border purchases, and privacy concerns; ensuring accessibility and multilingual support remains important.

Public campaigns, school programs, and consumer education initiatives aim to improve lifelong access to kuluttajatieto; digital literacy is increasingly important for evaluating online information and avoiding scams.