Viranomaisten velvollisuus ja mahdollisuudet oikaista virheellistä tietoa

Authors

• Pekka Koistinen Maanpuolustuskorkeakoulu https://orcid.org/0009-0004-7105-1881
• Silvia Sommarberg Maanpuolustuskorkeakoulu
• Teija Sederholm Maanpuolustuskorkeakoulu

DOI: https://doi.org/10.23978/inf.129129

Keywords:

authorities, disinformation, information environment, incorrect information, legislation

Abstract

In our article, we examine what kind of obligations and possibilities the public authorities have in regards of correcting incorrect information. We also explain why it’s important for public authorities to correct incorrect information and what the practical possibilities are to correct incorrect information. In our research, we use the term incorrect information to describe misleading information and information produced by information influencing activities.

In Finland, public authorities have a legal obligation to distribute timely and reliable information in order to prevent the spread of incorrect information. Based on our research, public authorities have difficulties identifying incorrect information and forming an overall picture across different organizations. In Finland legislation does not significantly restrict the dissemination of incorrect information, except for illegal content. Despite of that correcting incorrect information is necessary to maintain the credibility and trust for the public authorities in the constantly changing information environment. Our research material was collected in security cafes organized across Finland. The research material was analyzed using inductive content analysis.