grannskapslista

Grannskapslista, a Swedish term meaning neighborhood list, refers to a directory of residents within a local area intended to facilitate communication, mutual aid, and social coordination among neighbors. The concept is informal and varies by community; there is no single national register.

A grannskapslista can be physical or digital. A printed roster might be maintained by a housing association or neighborhood group, while a digital version can exist as a private online directory or app. Access is typically restricted to residents or other approved individuals, and participation is voluntary.

Common data included are names, street addresses or block ranges, phone numbers, email addresses, and preferred contact methods. Some lists may also record emergency contacts, languages spoken, or accessibility needs. Data protection rules require that personal information be collected with consent, used only for stated purposes, stored securely, and removable upon request.

Usage includes organizing social events, coordinating tasks such as checking on vulnerable residents, sharing tools or recommendations, and enabling rapid communication during outages or safety concerns. The primary aim is to strengthen social ties and improve neighborhood safety and resilience.

Risks include privacy intrusion, data breaches, or misuse for targeted marketing or discrimination. Therefore governance is essential: opt-in participation, clearly defined purposes, data minimization, time-limited storage, and transparent procedures for updating or deleting information. The term is common in Sweden but not standardized; municipalities and associations may implement different formats and policies.