Yes, dashcams are legal in Finland under strict data protection and traffic regulations. Finnish law permits their use if recordings comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Traffic Act, ensuring privacy rights are not violated. The Finnish Transport and Communications Agency (Traficom) oversees compliance, while the Office of the Data Protection Ombudsman (Tietosuojavaltuutettu) enforces GDPR adherence. Recordings must not infringe on others’ privacy, and continuous surveillance without justification is prohibited.
Key Regulations for Dashcams in Finland
- GDPR Compliance: Dashcam footage containing identifiable individuals must adhere to GDPR principles, including lawful basis, data minimization, and storage limitation. Consent is generally required for third-party recordings unless a legitimate interest (e.g., accident evidence) is demonstrated.
- Traffic Act Restrictions: Dashcams must not obstruct the driver’s view or interfere with vehicle operation. Recordings are permitted for traffic safety but cannot be used for real-time monitoring of other drivers without cause.
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: From January 2026, Finland’s updated Data Protection Act will align with the EU’s AI Act, imposing stricter rules on automated surveillance devices. Dashcams with AI-powered features (e.g., facial recognition) will require prior approval from Traficom.
Violations may result in fines up to €10,000 or criminal liability under GDPR. Drivers should store footage securely and delete it within 30 days unless required for legal proceedings. Public dissemination of dashcam recordings without consent risks defamation claims under the Finnish Penal Code.