Can You Record Phone Calls and Conversations in Finland?
In Finland, the constitution allows you to record communications in which you are an active participant. So you can record phone calls or conversations that you take part in without informing the other participant(s).
Your right to record is protected by Section 12 of the Finland Constitution, which addresses the freedom of expression and right of access to information by stating that,
“Everyone has the freedom of expression. Freedom of expression entails the right to express, disseminate and receive information, opinions and other communications without prior prevention by anyone.”
What you do with your recordings is a different matter altogether. Before sharing or making public your recordings, you should make sure you’re not breaking the law by carrying out libel, defamation or violation of privacy through the dissemination of information or by disclosing confidential information such as health status.
Everyone’s right to privacy is protected by Section 10 of the constitution which states that,
“Everyone’s private life, honour and the sanctity of the home are guaranteed. More detailed provisions on the protection of personal data are laid down by an Act.
The secrecy of correspondence, telephony and other confidential communications is inviolable.”
Finland Video Recording Laws
It is illegal to record or photograph people in situations that would violate their privacy. For instance, you can’t record someone in a place where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy.
Such areas include washrooms, inside homes, toilets, hotel rooms, etc. Recording others when they are in such places may result in a violation of privacy, protected by Section 10 of the Finland Constitution.
Recording Laws for Companies
Member states of the European Union follow the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR), established on May 25, 2018, to control the processing of data (including calls and videos) owned by EU citizens by companies that have access to such data regardless of whether or not the companies are established within the EU.
Since Finland is a member of the EU, companies in Finland and those processing data belonging to Finland residents are required to comply with the GDPR.
The GDPR is specified in the Finland National Data Protection Act, which went into effect on 1 January 2019.