opplysningsplikt

Opplysningsplikt is a legal obligation to provide information to authorities or public bodies when required by law or by contract. The duty can apply to individuals, households, and organizations, and concerns information that is relevant for public administration, taxation, social security, health and safety, or statistics. The exact scope and requirements are defined in specific laws and regulations, such as tax statutes, social security rules, and data protection provisions.

In practice, opplysningsplikt may require a person or entity to supply personal data to agencies like Skatteetaten (the tax administration) or NAV (the welfare agency), or to disclose information necessary to administer services, benefits, or regulatory oversight. Professionals and companies may also have an obligation to collect and report information needed to provide services or comply with regulations. However, information handling must respect privacy rules and professional secrecy where applicable, and disclosures should be limited to what is necessary and legally permitted.

Consequences for failing to comply can include administrative penalties, fines, or criminal liability for furnishing false information. Conversely, authorities may rely on compelled disclosure under law, and individuals may challenge requests that exceed legal limits. The concept often overlaps with, but is distinct from, meldeplikt (the duty to report specific events or conditions) and is framed by broader data protection and confidentiality requirements.

Etymology: the term combines opplysning (information) and plikt (duty). The precise application of opplysningsplikt depends on the relevant statute and context.