Kartlagringen

Kartlagringen refers to the Swedish concept of disproportionate scrutiny of external activities, focusing on perceived security threats caused by non-criminal individuals. Introduced in 2010, the system involves municipalities sharing information on private individuals who have visited terrorist organizations' websites or attended rallies deemed suspicious.

The process involves municipalities conducting background checks on residents who have visited such sites or attended the aforementioned rallies. This information is then shared with other municipalities, where an individual's visit record can impact their future opportunities, such as getting a job or housing.

Critics argue that kartlagringen infringes upon individuals' rights to free speech and privacy. They also point out that the system doesn't provide adequate means to correct inaccuracies or guarantee due process. Furthermore, many claim that kartlagringen disproportionately affects vulnerable groups, including immigrants, students, and the elderly.

In 2016, the Swedish Data Protection Agency (Integritetsskyddsnämnden) reevaluated the system and deemed it largely compliant with EU regulations. However, the privacy commissioner criticized the lack of transparency and notifications in the process.

The Swedish government maintains that kartlagringen helps mitigate security risks by identifying and tracking individuals associated with extremist interests. Others argue that this extreme level of surveillance undermines personal freedoms and fosters a culture of mistrust.

The debate surrounding the implementation and ethics of kartlagringen continues to be contentious in Swedish society, with proponents and opponents engaging in discussions regarding the delicate balance between security and individual rights.