Project launched to prepare legislative amendments on using passenger name record data in crime prevention 

The Ministry of the Interior has set up a project to prepare legislative amendments on the use of air carriers’ passenger name record (PNR) data in the prevention of terrorist offences and serious crime.

The project will assess and prepare the necessary legislative amendments in relation to EU regulation and the demands of the operating environment of the public authorities. PNR data is information provided by passengers when booking a flight.

Provisions on the use of PNR data are laid down in the Act on the Use of Air Carriers' Passenger Name Record Data in the Prevention of Terrorist Offences and Serious Crime. The legislative project will take into account, among other things, the judgment of the Court of Justice of the European Union concerning the use of PNR data. According to the judgment, the processing of PNR data must be limited to what is strictly necessary for the purposes of combating terrorist offences and serious crime.

The EU directive on the use of PNR data for crime prevention was transposed into national law in 2019.

Passenger data helps identify security risks

Criminals often take advantage of air connections, and crime is often transnational in nature. The majority of organised crime groups also make use of international travel.  PNR data is an important tool for combating serious crime and terrorism.

The Government Programme stresses the importance of the exchange of information between law enforcement authorities and the effective fight against organised crime. The legislative project also aims to develop cooperation between the Police, Customs and the Border Guard and improve the operating conditions of the PCB Passenger Information Centre.

The project will run until 31 December 2026.

Inquiries:
Emma Patovuori, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 295 488 303, firstname.lastname@gov.fi