Govt proposes to criminalise unauthorised possession of jammers

The government on Thursday submitted a legislative proposal to Parliament on amending the legislation on devices intended for deliberate radio interference, also known as jammers, said the Ministry of Transport and Communications in a press release.

The government proposed to amend the provisions on equipment that jam or spoof radio communications. Mobile communications networks and satellite positioning systems, such as GPS, are examples of systems that use radio communications.

The proposal to criminalise the unauthorised possession and import of jammers would enable their confiscation. Unauthorised use of jammers is already banned.

The proposal would introduce a distinct definition for jammers, separate from radio equipment. This would allow stricter regulation for jammers. Criminalising the unauthorised possession of jammers would improve the authorities’ possibilities to intervene in the unauthorised possession and import of such devices.

The amendment would set clearer conditions for the use and possession of jammers for the authorities and other authorised parties.

The possession and use of jammers for research and product development would be permitted under a licence if certain conditions are met.

The proposal would also introduce exceptions for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and its member states regarding the right of the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency (Traficom) to check radio equipment or jammers and confiscate them for inspection.

Parliament will first hold a referral debate on the government proposal in a plenary session.

The proposal will then proceed to a committee reading. Following the committee report, the debate will continue in a plenary session.

The Act is scheduled to enter into force on 1 July 2026.

Earlier in September 2015, the government took the initiative to amend the Electronic Communications Services Act with the provision for considering unlawful possession of jammers as a criminal act.