Finland

[FI] Production and Distribution of Computer Viruses Is a Criminal Offence

IRIS 1999-10:1/19

Marina Österlund-Karinkanta

Finnish Broadcasting Company YLE, EU and Media Unit

Laki rikoslain muuttamisesta, the Act on the amendment of the Penal Code, was confirmed on 14 October 1999 and will enter into force on 1 December 1999.

In the amendment, the production, making available and the distribution of computer viruses is defined as a criminal offence. Regardless of whether harm has actually been done, what makes the deed a criminal offence is the intention to cause damage to a data processing system or a data and telecommunications system. Though the distribution of viruses previously was not a criminal offence as such, the distributor could be punished if the virus had caused damage.