Government proposes amendments to civilian intelligence legislation to strengthen national security

The Government proposes legislative amendments to strengthen the Finnish Security and Intelligence Service’s ability to respond to serious threats to national security. The proposal introduces new powers, including measures to prepare for state-sponsored threats. The Government submitted its proposal to Parliament on 22 October 2026.

In line with the Government Programme, intelligence legislation is being updated in response to changes in the security environment and due to experiences gained from intelligence activities and to technological advances. 

Civilian intelligence legislation entered into force in 2019. Updating the legislation is intended in particular to respond to the changed security environment and technological advances. Threats to national security and the objects of intelligence collection especially in state-sponsored espionage have transferred to information networks to an increasing extent.

The proposed acts are scheduled to enter into force as soon as possible.

New powers for civilian intelligence, regulation of network traffic intelligence to be further developed

The Government proposes that the Finnish Security and Intelligence Service be given a new power to target intelligence at information systems operated by state actors. This would make it possible to obtain information about the operation of information systems used for activities that pose a serious threat to national security. It is also proposed that the Finnish Security and Intelligence Service be given a power to carry out IT measures related to information systems located abroad when such systems are used for activities that pose a serious threat to national security.