Viestintäsalaisuus

Viestintäsalaisuus is a Finnish legal concept that protects the privacy of communications. It is enshrined in the Finnish Constitution and further detailed in various laws, most notably the Act on the Protection of Privacy in Electronic Communications and the Criminal Code. The core principle is that personal communications are confidential and should not be intercepted, disclosed, or otherwise interfered with without legal grounds.

This protection extends to various forms of communication, including postal mail, telephone calls, electronic messages such as emails and instant messages, and other digital data transmissions. It applies to both the content of the communication and metadata, such as who communicated with whom, when, and for how long.

There are specific circumstances under which viestintäsalaisuus can be lawfully breached. These typically involve court orders obtained by law enforcement or intelligence agencies for the purpose of investigating serious crimes, preventing terrorism, or safeguarding national security. Such interventions are subject to strict legal scrutiny and are intended to be exceptions rather than the rule.

The violation of viestintäsalaisuus is a criminal offense in Finland, carrying penalties that can include fines or imprisonment. This legal framework underscores Finland's commitment to upholding individual privacy in an increasingly interconnected world, balancing the need for security with the fundamental right to confidential communication.