A new government program will “promote the prioritization of digital government communication” according to the Finnish Ministry of Finance. The idea is that, as a rule, all government mail will be sent digitally rather than by traditional paper mail.
Currently, for example, all government decisions are sent by mail unless the recipient has indicated that they would like to receive them digitally.
Under the new program, which will run from March 2024 to December 2027, there will be a gradual shift toward prioritizing digital services when citizens interact with government. In practice, this means that government mail will initially be sent electronically to those who are currently able to receive mail digitally. After that, digital government mail will gradually increase and be fully implemented in 2026, the Ministry of Finance writes in a press release.
However, it also states that it is important to ensure that alternative methods are available, and that it will still be possible to choose to receive mail via ordinary letters in the future.
Exceptions may be made
– People who are unable to communicate digitally will continue to receive government notices by mail, unless they choose otherwise. Although government notifications will be primarily sent digitally, it will still be possible to communicate with the authorities by phone or in person, says Jarkko Levasma, ICT Director at the Ministry of Finance.
It is hoped that the transition to digital mail will save money and make government operations more efficient. The program also includes the development of Suomi.fi messages, i.e. official information, as well as support and advice for citizens and authorities.
The Digital and Population Data Services Agency is responsible for the technical solutions for digitization.
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