tiedotusoikeudet

Tiedotusoikeudet is a Finnish term referring to the right to information, particularly the public’s right to obtain information about matters of public concern and, more broadly, information held by public authorities. In Finland, the concept is rooted in the principle of openness in government and is implemented through the law on public access to official documents as well as constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression and information.

The core legal framework is the Act on the Openness of Government Activities (Laki viranomaisten toiminnan julkisuudesta, commonly known as the Julkisuuslaki). The act provides a general right of access to public documents and electronic records held by central and local government bodies, courts, and many other authorities. It aims to promote transparency, accountability, and public participation in governance. The law also sets procedures for submitting requests and time limits for responses.

Exemptions exist to balance openness with other legitimate interests. These include protection of personal data, privacy, security, business secrets, and certain national security or law enforcement concerns. In practice, authorities may either disclose information, disclose with redactions, or refuse access with stated grounds. If access is refused, there are avenues for appeal to higher administrative authorities or the judiciary.

Tiedotusoikeudet are closely related to broader information rights in the European Union, including data protection rules under the GDPR. While GDPR governs the processing of personal data, tiedotusoikeudet address access to information held by public bodies and, in some contexts, information held by private actors performing public tasks. The concept supports democratic oversight, research, journalism, and informed public debate.