Electronic surveillance

Finland mulls constitution changes, web surveillance powers for intelligence police

The Interior, Justice and Defence ministries are considering constitutional changes to facilitate more effective civilian and military intelligence operations. Web surveillance powers for the security and intelligence police Supo are among the reforms on the table. Meanwhile President Sauli Niinistö says it's time to raise the level of Finnish intelligence work to meet European standards.

Commenting on the recent terrorist attacks in Paris, security and intelligence police chief Antti Pelttari said in a press conference that Finnish intelligence services had "major shortcomings compared to practically all" other western countries.

Pelttari noted that this affects the country’s anti-terrorism efforts. He added that it’s important for the intelligence services to have the power to engage in online surveillance.