Background & Purpose
With the digitalization of weapon reporting and new EU rules sharing information about suspected criminals, the Swedish government needed to update laws to protect sensitive data from public disclosure.
The Decision
The Swedish parliament approved two changes to the secrecy laws to protect sensitive information regarding gun transactions and international crime databases.
Does this affect you?
- Gun dealers: Must follow new procedures knowing that their submitted transaction data and lists are protected by secrecy.
- Law enforcement agencies: Gain clear legal rules on how to handle confidential data regarding weapon transactions and international security.
In Practice
- Information submitted by gun dealers regarding purchases and sales of firearms will be kept secret.
- Secrecy rules will apply to the Police Authority and other authorities with access to the weapon data.
- Information from third-country nationals suspected of terrorist offenses or serious crimes shared within the Schengen area will be protected by secrecy.