Information on photographic practises of Finnish Customs

The purpose of photographs acquired and videos produced for communication purposes is to document and archive Customs’ operation, support official communications and otherwise communicate Customs’ activities by journalistic means.

Actions at the location for photography and filming

Customs takes photographs and makes videos of its activities as well as of events in which Customs is involved. In the general documentation of Customs’ activity, the focus is on recording the events and the aim is to avoid external private individuals from being identified in the images. Customs does not separately provide information on photographing or video making in public places or at public events. Customs follows journalistic principles when photographing and filming in public places. Images for the purpose of communication are not used for the purpose of Customs’ controls or investigations.

In addition to the general documentation of Customs’ activity, Customs Communication takes photographs and makes videos of its own personnel for informational and educational purposes. The shooting of identifiable images is agreed separately with the individuals who appear in the images, and the session is organised in such a way that no one else is seen in the shots.

Using photographs

Photographs depicting Customs activities are used in different communication materials such as in newsletters, on the website, in teaching materials, in publications on social media and in other publications. The photographs aim to make Customs’ work more concrete and to bring attention to Customs’ messages. Customs follows journalistic principles in its communication.

Customs can also make communication campaigns, where identifiable external individuals are shown as well as Customs’ personnel. Identifiable photographic material is used in agreement with the persons appearing in the material.

In addition, Customs uses photographs and videos to fulfil the obligation to record and archive its operation. The photographic material to be archived may contain personal information, if the individuals in the images are identifiable. In addition to the photographic material, the time and place of the image is archived also as well as the person’s name in certain cases. The obligation to record and archive the operation is based on law, and the main photographs and videos describing Customs' activities are stored permanently.

Photographic materials are released to Customs’ external cooperation partners, such as other authorities and the media. As far as possible, the aim is to process photographs and videos offered to outsiders in such a way that they do not contain unnecessary personal data. Photographs that are available on Customs’ website and in media releases can be used freely by the media and others. Photographs on social media can be seen by everyone.

Customs does not release photographs or videos to be used for marketing purposes by an external party.

More information is available in the privacy policy of Customs’ Communication.