Legislative amendments to expand the Border Guard's right to use more technology in statutory duties 

In future, the Border Guard will be able to make better use of modern technology in its key statutory duties, such as border control and the maintenance of border security and order along the border. In its session on 27 June, the Government proposed that the President of the Republic approve the amendments to the Border Guard Act and certain related acts. The President of the Republic is scheduled to approve the amendments on 28 June, and they will enter into force on 5 July 2024.

The purpose and area of use of the technical surveillance carried out by the Border Guard will be expanded. The Border Guard will also be granted new powers to carry out surveillance based on radio technology. Surveillance based on radio technology means the right to detect, locate, recognise, identify and monitor radio-frequency electromagnetic waves and radio equipment by means of the properties of electromagnetic waves.

In future, the Border Guard will be able to carry out technical surveillance and surveillance based on radio technology in the vicinity of the national border, in the maritime area, on the coast, in airspace, at border crossing points and in their immediate vicinity, and in areas under the control of the Border Guard and in their immediate vicinity.

The amendments will improve the Border Guard's ability to anticipate and react to the security situation, which has changed permanently. The amendments will also increase the efficient use of human resources.

Inquiries:
Anne Ihanus, Senior Adviser for Legislative Affairs, tel. +358 295 421 608, firstname.lastname@raja.fi