Information exchange between authorities strengthened to improve security

On 9 July, the President of the Republic approved amendments proposed by the Government to legislation governing information exchange between authorities. The amendments will simplify the exchange of information between the police and other authorities. The legislative amendments will enter into force on 1 October 2026.

The provisions on access to and disclosure of information will be amended to enable better exchange of information, for example for preventing, detecting and investigating offences. The amendments implement the objectives set out in the Government Programme to improve information exchange in crime prevention and to strengthen national security and society’s resilience.

The amendments concern the Police Act, the Act on the Processing of Personal Data by the Police and corresponding legislation on the Finnish Border Guard, Finnish Customs and the Finnish Defence Forces. The Finnish Immigration Service will have a new right to obtain information on certain warrants for apprehension. It will also be required to notify the police of the identity and presence of an apprehended person on its premises.

More effective information exchange improves security

The amendments expand and clarify the police's powers to obtain and disclose information for preventing crime and improving security. The police will be able to provide non-disclosable information both to authorities and, in certain situations, to private entities such as critical infrastructure operators. The police will also have new powers to obtain information from private entities, for example to help prevent risks to life or health.

In individual cases and in certain clearly defined situations, the police will be able to obtain information from healthcare and social welfare service providers on the identity and presence of individuals at specific locations. This will apply, for example, to the detection and investigation of certain offences, the protection of national security and the search for missing persons. Under the amendment, however, the police will not be able to obtain information about confidential discussions between individuals and healthcare or social welfare professionals. They will only be able to obtain essential information about an individual's presence in a specific case.

The amendments aim to make crime prevention more effective, improve cooperation between authorities and strengthen security in society.

Inquiries:
Helinä Tiura-Virta, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 295 488 238, [email protected]