New legislative project to criminalise possession of devices that deliberately interfere with radio frequencies

On 15 January 2025, the Ministry of Transport and Communications launched a legislative project to amend the legislation on equipment used to deliberately interfere with radio frequencies.

The project aims to amend the provisions of the Act on Electronic Communication Services on devices designed for interfering with, or jamming, communications that use radio frequencies, such as the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). The project will draft a government proposal for criminalising the private possession of devices known as jammers that are intended for interfering with radio communications. 

The project will cover all devices that jam or falsify radio communications. However, the authorities and other legitimate parties would continue to have the right to use such devices in the performance of their duties.

"Jammers are not toys but hybrid devices that interfere with the functions of our society. We will amend the legislation so that the authorities can address the possession of jammers. This is another good example of how our Ministry strengthens Finland's security one step at a time,” says Minister of Transport and Communications Lulu Ranne.

Currently the possession of jammers is subject to permit. Criminalisation would, for example, improve the authorities' options to intervene in the imports of such devices.

What’s next? 

The Ministry of Transport and Communications will begin the law drafting in cooperation with stakeholders. The drafting process will include a public consultation.

More information on the project is available on the Government's website at https://valtioneuvosto.fi/en/projects-and-legislation.

Inquiries:

Tuuli Tolsa, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 295 342 074, [email protected]