[2] In December 2005 Karpela received a Big Brother Award from the Finnish on-line civil rights organization EFFI for proposing Internet traffic blocking software be installed in schools and libraries.

Karpela is a convicted drunk driver[7][8] and since entering politics, she has become most famous for her relationships – she has remarried twice and broken off a third, separate engagement.

Karpela caused a stir in 2001 when it became public that she (a divorcée) was having a relationship with Finance Minister Sauli Niinistö (a widower).

[3] Karpela's Centre Party was in opposition and Niinistö was considered the second-most influential man in government.

[11] She filed for divorce from Olli Saarela in November 2007,[12] and on 22 February 2008 she changed her name back to Karpela.