Finnish Government Proposes Expanding SUPO’s Surveillance Powers Amid Privacy Concerns
The Finnish government’s proposal to amend the Police Act, allowing the Finnish Security and Intelligence Service (SUPO) to conduct intelligence operations in private residences, has sparked significant debate over privacy protections. The Ministry of the Interior concluded a consultation round on Friday, gathering opinions from key stakeholders on the draft legislation.
Under the proposed changes, SUPO would gain the authority to carry out civilian intelligence in premises used as permanent residences, targeting activities deemed a serious threat to national security. Yle reports that the amendment aims to strengthen the agency’s ability to counter threats such as terrorism, espionage, and other forms of severe national security risks.
However, several respondents in the consultation process have raised concerns about the potential impact on the privacy of third parties. Both the Office of the Data Protection Ombudsman and the Ministry of Justice have addressed these issues in their statements, warning of the risks associated with expanded surveillance powers in private homes. MTV Uutiset highlights that critics fear the measures could lead to unintended violations of privacy for individuals not directly linked to security threats.
The Ministry of the Interior’s consultation round sought input from government agencies, legal experts, and civil society groups to assess the proposal’s legal and ethical implications. The final decision on the amendments will depend on the feedback received and further political deliberations.
