Questionable website using Finnish Tourist Board name raises concerns over domain ownership

Images generated by artificial intelligence depict vibrant and unusual landscapes in Finland and Lapland. The articles primarily focus on Finland as a whole or discuss tourism. All articles are attributed to an author named Rosemary Lee. Additionally, there are individual writings on crafting a good resume. The website prominently features the logo of the Finnish Tourist Board (MEK), suggesting the domain is associated with this organization. It also mentions Finpro, now known as Business Finland, which operates under Visit Finland.

However, the website lacks further information about its creator or administrator. A contact request can be submitted through a form. The Tourist Board, which was an agency under the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, transferred its responsibilities to Visit Finland in 2015. Heli Hemgård, communication manager at Visit Finland, clarifies that the tourism association no longer has any connection with the webpage.

“It appears someone has taken over an old domain name, but the site is not under our control,” Hemgård asserts. The questionable site is believed to have originated in late last year, with its first publication dated December.

According to Traficom, the domain was registered by an individual who operates several other websites. Domains are typically registered to a person’s ownership for one year and must be renewed within a month of expiration. Failure to do so allows the domain and associated site to become available for anyone to register. Cybersecurity expert Juha Tretjakov notes that cases like MEK’s are common, often revolving around financial incentives, with some sites used for phishing or other malicious activities.