meldplicht

Meldplicht, or duty to report, is a legal obligation to disclose certain information or events to designated authorities. It exists in many domains and jurisdictions, and typically applies to both individuals and organizations. A meldplicht is usually triggered by a specified set of circumstances (such as the appearance of a notifiable disease, a serious accident, suspected criminal activity, or other risks to public safety) and will specify who must report, what must be reported, and the deadline for reporting. The term derives from melden (to report) and plicht (duty).

In public health, notifiable diseases are reported by physicians and laboratories to national or regional health authorities to enable monitoring and response. In workplace safety, serious incidents and occupational hazards may carry a reporting duty to labor inspectorates or safety bodies. In law and finance, certain transactions, money flows, or suspicious activities can trigger reporting requirements to financial intelligence units or tax authorities. Not reporting when required can lead to penalties ranging from fines to disciplinary actions or criminal liability, depending on the jurisdiction and context.

Arguments for meldplicht emphasize rapid response, risk mitigation, and protection of the public. Critics warn that mandatory reporting can raise privacy concerns, lead to stigma, or cause over-reporting and administrative burden. The balance between transparency and individual rights is an ongoing policy consideration.