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Finland Tightens Identity Verification for Online Transactions

The Finnish government has introduced a new identification service aimed at simplifying transactions for foreign citizens accessing e-services in Finland. The Finnish Authenticator is an application that enables individuals to verify their identity remotely, using either a passport or electronic ID card.

How the Finnish Authenticator Works

• Individuals can register as foreigners and verify their identity through the app.
• Once registered, users can log into various e-services in Finland using their credentials, password, and PIN code set in the application.
• The identification method is specifically designed for foreign citizens who do not have a Finnish personal identity code or identification token but need to access e-services.

Acting on Behalf of a Company or Organisation

The Finnish Authenticator service can also be used when acting on behalf of a company or organisation. A representative of a foreign company must apply for the necessary Suomi.fi e-Authorizations, after which they can use various e-services.

• To use the Finnish Authenticator service, a contract is concluded with the Digital and Population Data Services Agency.
• The contract is valid until further notice, and there are no separate fees for deploying the service. However, organisations using the identification method must monitor the number of users and report the actual number to the agency before invoicing.

Identity Verification Transactions

Identification transactions are not charged separately, and the user organisation is responsible for costs related to setting up the service, including deployment of Suomi.fi e-Identification and maintenance of its integration in the organisation’s e-services.

Data Transferred in Connection with an Identification Transaction

When a foreign person identifies themselves in an e-service, Suomi.fi e-Identification transfers user data including:

• Forename
• Surname
• Date of birth
• Unique identifier (UID)

The UID consists of ten characters: nine digits and a control character. It is permanent but does not contain information about the user.

Termination of Service

Users can terminate the use of Finnish Authenticator by uninstalling the application and requesting user account deletion on the self-service website.