tiedonpyynnöstä

Tiedonpyyntö, or a request for information, is a formal process in Finland that allows individuals and organizations to access public documents and data held by government authorities and other public bodies. The right to access public information is enshrined in the Finnish Constitution and further detailed in the Act on the Openness of Government Activities (Julkisuuslaki). This legislation aims to promote transparency and accountability in public administration.

When a tiedonpyyntö is made, the authority receiving the request is obligated to provide the requested information unless there is a legal basis for withholding it. Common grounds for withholding information include protection of privacy, national security, ongoing investigations, or business secrets. The authority must respond to the request within a reasonable timeframe, typically within two weeks. If the request is complex or requires extensive processing, the authority can extend this period but must inform the requester of the delay.

A tiedonpyyntö can be made orally or in writing, though written requests are generally recommended for clarity and record-keeping. The requester does not need to state a reason for their request, and the information is usually provided free of charge unless its dissemination incurs significant costs. If a request is denied, the requester has the right to appeal the decision to a higher administrative court. This legal framework ensures that citizens can exercise their right to know what public authorities are doing.