Amendments proposed to Act on Emergency Warnings

On 27 August, the Government submitted to Parliament a proposal to amend the Act on Emergency Warnings. The amendments would make the legislative changes needed for introducing a public warning system based on cell broadcast technology. The amendments are scheduled to enter into force on 1 November 2026.

The proposal would allow authorities to send emergency warnings to the public using cell broadcasts in addition to the existing channels.

Cell broadcast service to complement existing emergency warning channels

Experience and studies show that mobile alerts need to reach people faster and more effectively. A warning system that reaches many people quickly is especially important in emergency conditions. The legislative amendments help implement the Programme of Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s Government, which includes a commitment to reform the emergency warning system.

A cell broadcast service would enable the transmission of rapid, prompt and geographically targeted emergency warnings to devices across all mobile networks within the affected area. The Emergency Response Centre Agency would also be required by law to send emergency warnings through the cell broadcast service. The proposal would complement Finland’s public warning and emergency warning system by adding a new channel alongside existing ones.