Finland is prepared for security threats against communications networks and is making sustained effort to strengthen security

Communications networks are part of the infrastructure that is essential for the functioning of society. The security of communications networks is extensively regulated in the Act on Electronic Communications Services. Its provisions contain obligations to ensure that the security of communications networks is, above all, proactively safeguarded though retroactive measures may be used where necessary.

The aim of the Act is to ensure that public communications networks, services and related critical dedicated networks are planned and maintained in a secure manner. The Act covers all communications networks, such as 5G networks, undersea cables and future communications networks. Operators are responsible for security, and the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom supervises compliance with the Act.

Authorities may already now remove communications network equipment that threatens national security or national defence

In 2021, Finnish legislation was reinforced based on the EU’s recommendations for 5G networks, especially with the view of safeguarding national security and national defence. Equipment that endangers national security or national defence must not be used in the critical parts of the communications network.

The use of the equipment could endanger national security or national defence so that the use would enable foreign intelligence activities or activities that would disrupt, paralyse or otherwise adversely affect the important interests, basic functions of society or democratic order of Finland. In such a situation, the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom may, on the initiative of the security authorities, among others, order the equipment to be removed.

“Technological development and changes in the security environment are always taken into account nationally in ensuring network security. At the same time, we will continue advocacy work and close cooperation both within the EU and internationally. The Commission will soon provide detailed plans for a more integrated approach to network security,” says Finnish Minister of Transport and Communications Lulu Ranne.

“We are fully aware of the risks and concerns associated with Chinese technology and are preparing for them. The Finnish Security Intelligence Service has evaluated the matter in its national security overview. Security authorities’ evaluations of and reports on threats to national security and defence will be taken account of in full when applying network security legislation,” Minister Ranne says.

The Act also lays down provisions on the Advisory Board for Network Security led by the Ministry of Transport and Communications. The Board will further strengthen cooperation between the security authorities and telecommunications operators.

Traficom’s regulation technically defines critical parts of communications networks

On 23 January 2025, the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom launched a project to update the technical specification of the critical parts of communications networks. The project will take comprehensive account of the technological development of communications networks and security threats in a changed operating environment.

The Transport and Communications Agency will regularly assess the updates to the regulation on the definition of the critical parts of communications networks and may, if necessary, also assess as critical a part of a communications network that is not specifically mentioned in the regulation.

Finland continues as frontrunner in developing secure communications networks

The architecture of communications networks will become more complex in the future. Finland has promoted built-in security in the transition to the next generation of networks both within the EU and internationally. In Finland, public authorities and the private sector cooperate closely in developing secure communications networks.

“By investing in the development of secure 6G networks now, we are showing that Finland continues to be a leader in developing communications networks,” Minister Ranne says.

The Advisory Board for Network Security is currently reviewing security issues related to 6G networks as part of the work of the working group to promote 6G communications technologies.

Inquiries: 

Laura Eiro, Director General, tel. +358 295342166, [email protected]