Finland will transition official government communications to digital channels starting in the third quarter, affecting approximately two million citizens. The Digital and Population Data Services Agency confirms this change will apply to all individuals who interact with authorities online.
Specialist Maija Hiitola from the agency explains the practical implications. When users log into any government digital service for the first time beginning January 12, their Suomi.fi Messages service will activate automatically. This includes platforms like Omavero tax service, Omakela consumer disputes, and municipal service portals.
The activation process happens during identification. Users receive clear notification about the Suomi.fi Messages implementation and must provide an email address for new message alerts. The service does not activate without user awareness. Those already using Suomi.fi Messages will experience no changes.
Digital communications will include voting notifications, tax statements, official decisions, and public announcements. The service may also deliver bills and appointment reminders.
Security concerns drive this digital transition. Regular email poses significant risks for sensitive information transmission. Hiitola emphasizes that standard email lacks proper security measures for personal data. Anyone can send anything through regular email, including viruses and phishing attempts.
Suomi.fi Messages provides secure messaging because only authorities and legally mandated organizations can send communications through this platform. Opening attachments and clicking links within Suomi.fi Messages remains consistently safe.
Finland maintains paper mail options for specific groups. The change excludes minors, individuals under guardianship, people without Finnish personal identity codes, and those lacking strong authentication methods. Non-digital users retain paper mail access indefinitely.
Even Suomi.fi Messages users can switch back to paper mail through service settings or by contacting customer service. This choice remains valid for six-month periods. If users re-authenticate in government services after six months, Suomi.fi Messages reactivates automatically.
Hiitola clarifies that simply deleting the application doesn't terminate service usage. The system requires formal opt-out procedures.
For representatives handling others' affairs, Suomi.fi Messages activate only for the person using their credentials, not the individual they represent. Reading another person's official messages requires authorized permissions through Suomi.fi authorization services. Using someone else's bank credentials for government services remains prohibited, requiring instead electronic power of attorney.
Upon death, digital mailboxes close automatically. Heirs currently cannot access deceased individuals' message boxes or historical communications. New messages automatically redirect to paper mail.
During transition phases, communication methods vary. Not all authorities currently use Suomi.fi Messages. Organizations may still send letters through paper mail or alternative channels. Each service provider communicates available options.
The government aims to standardize practices while exploring additional digital postal services. Future developments might allow citizens to choose alternative digital platforms meeting specific criteria and audit requirements.
Digital channels already represent the most popular method for public administration interactions. Still, official decisions default to paper mail unless individuals specifically consent to electronic notifications.
This digital shift brings substantial societal benefits. Finland anticipates annual savings reaching tens of millions of euros. Citizens gain faster communication and centralized message access available anytime.
Service information and usage guidelines remain available at suomi.fi/viestit. Telephone customer service operates weekdays from 9 AM to 3 PM at 0295 000.
The transition reflects Finland's ongoing digital transformation, building upon the country's reputation as a pioneer in e-government services. This move aligns with broader Nordic trends toward digitizing public services while maintaining accessibility for all population segments. The careful implementation demonstrates how digital governance can balance efficiency with inclusive service delivery.