Currently, convicted individuals can change their names easily. The new law imposes restrictions on this. The restrictions depend on the type of punishment.
Kristiina Luht from the Ministry of Social Affairs says that people often search for information about others online. If a criminal changes their name, no one can find out about their past. This is not fair to the victims. The new law helps prevent new crimes.
Enel Pungas from the Ministry of the Interior explained that the name remains visible in the criminal record. If the name is changed, it becomes harder to find. This is important for victim protection.
Name changes are particularly important in cases of organized crime. For example, criminals involved in human trafficking often use new names. They deceive victims and harm them. If the name remains the same, it is easier for victims to conduct background checks.
The new law still allows name changes upon marriage or divorce. Ordinary people must now justify why they want to change their name. The name must be unique and meaningful.
Enel Pungas says that a name is part of a person's identity. Changing it should not be a simple whim. For example, one cannot take a name that someone else already has.
The new law will come into force in December 2027.