Secret data interception was introduced in Sweden in 2020 and was claimed to be a “temporary coercive measure” to tackle organized crime, but would then be abolished.
However, it now appears that the government has no intention of abolishing the surveillance law, but instead wants it to be made permanent – and expanded.
In short, covert data interception means that police and other law enforcement agencies secretly plant Trojans or hack into computers, cell phones, or user accounts using various technical solutions to obtain various types of information about suspected serious crimes.
– Law enforcement authorities need effective tools to tackle serious and organized crime. In many cases, covert data interception has been a crucial tool for law enforcement. We are therefore ensuring that law enforcement continues to have access to this important tool, and are also making certain adjustments to further increase its effectiveness, says Minister of Justice Gunnar Strömmer (M).
In a draft bill, the government not only proposes that the law be applied indefinitely, but also wants it to be used in more cases than before, “for the purpose of investigating who may reasonably be suspected of a crime”, and that data can be collected in secret even if there is no suspect.
The Moderate-led government also wants “surplus information that has emerged from secret data reading to be used for other purposes” – but it is not clear in detail what these purposes would be, or how it would be regulated.
“Extremely concerning”
It has previously been reported that the police have used the Espionage Act five times more often than previously reported – something the Swedish Bar Association has also criticized.
– It is their responsibility to ensure this is done in a legally sound manner and that citizens’ rights are protected. If they lack the resources to fulfill that duty, it is extremely concerning and must be addressed immediately, said their Secretary General, Mia Edwall Insulander, in an interview with Swedish public broadcaster SR.
The fact that the Espionage Act will now be made permanent, expanded and easier to use than before has also led to many people feeling concerned about the development, and a fear that the police may in the future hack and tap citizens’ mobile phones, even in the case of more trivial crimes, or to fight uncomfortable dissidents and regime critics.