Finland sees surge in defamation reports, with over 11,000 filed last year

Finland recorded more than 11,000 reports of defamation and aggravated defamation in 2025, a fivefold increase since 2001, according to a report by Finnish public broadcaster Yle.

Sakari Melander, a professor of criminal law at the University of Helsinki, attributes the sharp rise to the growing use of social media and the polarization of public discourse. He notes that while the number of reports is high, only about 25% proceed from police to prosecutors and courts, suggesting many involve minor offenses.

Melander argues that current legislation may be too broad, covering even trivial acts that could be considered defamatory. He questions whether the law reflects modern realities and whether authorities can reasonably investigate all such cases.

In Helsinki, one in six defamation reports goes to the local police department, with over 1,700 filed last year. Rikoskomisario Juha-Matti Suominen, who leads a dedicated investigation team, currently has around 200 open cases. He also cites social media and political polarization as key factors, along with disputes over divorces, custody, and neighborhood conflicts.

Both Melander and Suominen emphasize that no specific words are criminalized—context determines whether an offense has occurred. Defamation can involve false statements, gestures, or other means of communication that cause harm or contempt. Aggravated defamation, which carries a potential prison sentence of up to two years, applies if the act causes significant suffering or damage.