Hemligstämplad

Hemligstämplad is a Swedish term used to describe information or documents that have been officially designated as restricted and are not to be disclosed to the public or to unauthorized individuals. The stamp or label is applied by a competent authority to indicate that the content is subject to secrecy restrictions. The designation can apply to both paper records and digital data and is used to protect national security, public order, state interests, and personal privacy.

Legal framework and purpose: The use of secrecy classifications is governed primarily by the public access to information and secrecy framework, notably the Offentlighets- och sekretesslagen. The regime determines what information may be kept secret, who may access it, under what conditions, and for how long. A document or data set may be classified at different levels of secrecy depending on the assessed risk and public interest. The overarching purpose is to balance openness with the need to protect sensitive information.

Levels, handling, and access: Classification typically involves levels such as secret or higher categories, with access restricted to individuals who have the necessary clearance and a legitimate need to know. Public access is generally denied for material that is still classified, though exemptions or declassification can occur when the secrecy is lifted or when a decision is made to disclose. Handling of classified information involves strict procedures for storage, transmission, and record-keeping, as well as potential penalties for unauthorized disclosure.