viestintäsalaisuuden

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 Telecommunications Market Act and the Criminal Code. The principle of viestintäsalaisuus means that all forms of communication, including letters, telephone calls, electronic messages, and other data transmissions, are protected from unauthorized access, interception, or disclosure. This right is fundamental to personal privacy and freedom of expression.

The protection extends to the content of the communication as well as metadata, such as who communicated with whom, when, and for how long. There are specific legal grounds under which authorities can request access to or intercept communications, but these are strictly regulated and require judicial or official authorization. Such exceptions are typically made in cases of criminal investigations, national security concerns, or to prevent serious harm.

Violation of viestintäsalaisuus is a criminal offense in Finland. The law aims to ensure that individuals can communicate freely and securely without fear of unwarranted surveillance. This protection is crucial for fostering trust in communication channels and safeguarding democratic principles. The concept is broad, encompassing both private and professional communications, and its interpretation is guided by the principles of necessity and proportionality when any limitations are considered.