Legislation and the Internet

Laws apply also to the Internet and its services. Everything that is illegal in the society is also illegal on the Internet. In addition to the existing legislation, the rapid spread of information technology has required new laws which take into consideration the special characteristics of the Internet.

The Internet enables unparalleled freedom of communication, but with it comes responsibility. For example, a creator of a website is always personally responsible for its content and lawfulness.

When operating on the Internet, for example the following provisions are applicable:

Defamation and invasion of personal reputation

Do not present on the Internet false information or insinuations about other people that can cause the people in question damage or suffering or subject them to contempt. In other words, do not publish on a website slanderous or other material that you would not present in another context and be willing to deal with the consequences.

You should also not present information, insinuations or images about another person's private life that can cause the person in question damage or suffering or subject the person to contempt.

Protection of personal data

Consider carefully what information you provide about yourself or your family, for example, on your personal website or in discussion forums. Do not maintain entries of other people's personal data without their permission or a basis in law.

Copyright and Trademarks Acts

Do not use the Internet or your personal website to spread material, such as music, text, photographs, drawings, trademarks or other material that you do not have rights to. Unauthorised use may lead to claims for compensation and other legal consequences.

For further information on copyright and the amendment to the Copyright Act that entered into force in the beginning of 2006, see the website of the Ministry of Education.

Secrecy of communications

Confidential communications are confidential also on the Internet. Therefore, do not open e-mail messages addressed to another person without permission from the person in question. For example, if you have accidentally received messages sent to someone else, you are not allowed to reveal their contents, exploit such messages or disclose information on their existence.

Consider also whether an e-mail that you have received is meant for only you to see and whether you have the right to forward it.

Disrupting the functioning of the information network

Intentional disruption or overloading of an information network, data transmission, e-mail and other network services is forbidden.

Hacking

Hacking into another information system or using an information system unauthorised is a crime for which one can be sentenced to imprisonment, even if no damage is caused. Even attempting to hack or use a system is forbidden.

Writing and spreading viruses

Writing and spreading viruses is a punishable act (Criminal computer mischief).

Sending e-mail advertisements

Do not use e-mail for marketing purposes unless you have permission from the message recipient.

Law forbids marketing by using automated means (such as e-mail and SMS) without advance consent from the consumer. However, a service provider may use the contact information he or she obtained from the consumer when selling the product for the direct marketing of similar products. The service provider must always present the consumer with an opportunity to deny the use of his or her contact information.

Child pornography

Distribution and possession of child pornography is forbidden regardless of the form of the material.

Racism

Racism and incitement to racism are forbidden.

Regulations concerning information security and protection of privacy in electronic communications are listed on the FICORA website.

Site updated 18.11.2008