The updated instructions clarify the principles that must be followed when publishing results based on data disclosed under the Secondary Use Act. In the new instructions, the minimum frequency applied to results is lowered from five to three.
Findata’s instructions for producing anonymous results was updated on 2 April 2025. The updated instructions clarify the principles that must be followed when publishing results based on data disclosed under the Act on the Secondary Use of Health and Social Data. Findata ensures the anonymity of the results to be published.
“The aim of the update has been to clarify the instructions and make them easier to apply. We have added concrete examples and a checklist to help result producers verify the anonymity of their results,” says Hanna Tervonen, Chief Data Manager at Findata.
Minimum frequency changes to three
With the update, the minimum frequency generally applied to results is lowered from five to three. This means that, to ensure anonymity, the result must be based on data from at least three individuals.
“It’s important to understand that using the minimum frequency alone does not guarantee anonymity. The producer of the results must always assess, on a case-by-case basis, whether it is suitable for their own results,” Tervonen emphasises.
Anonymity must always be assessed case by case, taking into account the content and sensitivity of the information to be published.
New content and clarifications
User feedback has been taken into account in the update. New sections have been added to the instructions, such as results from qualitative research, results based on genomic data, and synthetic result data.
In addition, the section on machine learning and AI models has been significantly expanded and clarified. The content of the instructions has also been harmonised with Statistics Finland’s data protection guidelines.
As part of the update, the summary form that must be submitted alongside the results has also been revised.
Download the form: Summary form: Verifying anonymity of results (Word file, 43 kB)
Changes for users of Statistics Finland’s Fiona remote processing environment and Kapseli
As of 18 March 2025, results exported from Fiona no longer need to be separately submitted to Findata for an anonymity check. Statistics Finland reviews the results according to the same principles as Findata, so a separate review is no longer required.
The updated instructions for producing anonymous results is now available only on Findata’s website. Versions available in Kapseli will no longer be updated.
The change to the minimum frequency has also been reflected in the summary form submitted alongside results, but the version in Kapseli will not be updated to reflect this. Users may manually change the minimum frequency from five to three in the form if they wish.
Findata will apply the updated minimum frequency in accordance with the new guidance, regardless of whether the summary form has been updated.
Read the new guidance: Producing anonymous results
Further information
