tiedonpyyntö

Tiedonpyyntö refers to the legal right of individuals and organizations in Finland to request information from public authorities. This right is enshrined in the Act on the Openness of Government Activities (Julkisuuslaki). The purpose of tiedonpyyntö is to promote transparency and accountability in public administration, allowing citizens to access documents and information held by public bodies.

Requests can be made verbally or in writing, and authorities are generally obligated to provide the requested information unless there is a specific legal basis for withholding it. Reasons for withholding information might include national security, protection of privacy, or ongoing investigations. If a request is denied, the authority must provide a reasoned explanation for the refusal.

The Act on the Openness of Government Activities specifies how authorities should handle tiedonpyyntö requests, including time limits for response and procedures for appealing decisions. This mechanism empowers the public to scrutinize the actions of government and ensure that decision-making processes are open and accessible. Fees may be charged for providing information, particularly if the request is extensive and requires significant work from the authority.