He Finland government studies completely prohibit the possession of devices that until now could be obtained with special permission, considering them a “Safety threat”. Although currently its use is already prohibited, still They can be had or purchased, since they are classified as radio transmitters.
Now, however, a bill of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications seeks to harden restrictions. It is found in public consultation phase And it is expected to be presented to Parliament in the spring of 2026con Entry in force for July 1 of the same year.
If approved, Only authorized authorities and entities could possess and use frequency inhibitorsfor research or technological development purposes, and always under radio license. The goal is Avoid accidental or intentional interference They may give a satellite positioning systems at risk.
A very used and very dangerous device
A GPS blocker broadcasts signals that distort or cancel the reception of geolocation data. Its use has been extended among truck drivers who want to avoid the follow -up of their employers, or among individuals looking for. However, many ignore that these same signals can affect other devices within a radius of several kilometers.
Laura Swedishcomputer science professor at Helsinki, warns that the use of these devices is “surprisingly common” and that Even simpler and more economical models “can cause damage”. In addition to distorting the location of mobile phones, They can interfere with air, maritime and land traffic, and even with emergency vehicles They depend on GPS to move.
“The transmission of electricity, telecommunications and banks, among other things, need hourly information obtained from satellite positioning systems to operate“The expert explains, stressing that any interruption can have serious consequences.
In Finland, they register Deliberate interference almost daily. According to Ruotsalainen, in some cases, topography works cannot be done due to them. Although certain anomalies are due to natural causes, such as high buildings or atmospheric conditions, others are the product of human manipulation.
Therefore, Consider that the government’s initiative is “very positive”. “Few people know that using a signal inhibitor can interfere with important equipment,” he argues. Although so far there have been no serious damage in the country, it warns that it is a possibility: “When you hit the wrong place, the consequences can be greater”.
