Government proposes more extensive rights for intelligence authorities to disclose criminal information

The Government proposes that the Finnish Security and Intelligence Service and the military intelligence authorities be allowed to disclose information on criminal offences to other authorities more extensively than before. The proposal would improve national security. The Government submitted the proposal to Parliament on 16 April.

The government proposal would clarify the procedures for disclosing information obtained on offences through the use of intelligence collection methods for the purpose of crime prevention. It would also lay down clearer provisions on the related processing of personal data. With regard to the Finnish Security and Intelligence Service, the proposal would amend the provisions on firewalls laid down in the Police Act, i.e. the rights of the Finnish Security and Intelligence Service to disclose information to the police. The necessary amendments would be made to the Police Act and the Act on the Processing of Personal Data by the Police. Similar amendments concerning the disclosure of criminal information are also proposed to the Act on Military Intelligence.

The Finnish Security and Intelligence Service would be allowed to disclose information on offences more extensively than before. Such offences would include offences of treason, offences of high treason and terrorist offences. In addition, information could be disclosed in situations where it is important to protect national security or to direct the activities of the authorities. This would improve the ability of the security authorities to counter threats.

The Government Programme aims to strengthen national security. The goal is to amend the provisions to enable the sufficient disclosure of information to the police and other public authorities that have the power to intervene concretely in activities that pose a serious threat to national security.

More efficient international exchange of information

In future, the Finnish Security and Intelligence Service would be able to disclose personal data to NATO. Amendments are proposed to the legislation due to Finland's NATO membership.

According to the proposal, the Finnish Security and Intelligence Service could also disclose information to an EU agency or institution whose duties include protecting national security, safeguarding legal and social order, maintaining public order and security, and preventing and investigating offences and referring them for consideration of charges.

The proposed amendments are scheduled to enter into force as soon as possible.

Inquiries:
Johanna Hakala, Senior Ministerial Adviser, tel. +358 295 488 452, [email protected]