Background & Purpose

Currently, digital information seized during a police search can be classified as a public document, which risks exposing sensitive information in ongoing investigations. The government wants to change this to ensure that police work remains confidential until a case is closed.

The Decision

The Swedish parliament has taken the first step to change the constitution so that digital files seized during a search are not considered public documents. This decision must be confirmed by a new vote after the next general election to become permanent.

Does this affect you?

  • Police and Prosecutors: They can conduct investigations without the risk of sensitive digital material being requested by the public before the investigation is complete.
  • Suspects in criminal investigations: Their personal data and private information found on seized devices are better protected from public disclosure during the investigation phase.

In Practice

  • Digital files copied or seized during a police search will be exempt from public access rules.
  • If the seized data is officially added to a criminal investigation file, it will then become a public document.
  • The change ensures that sensitive information does not leak to the public while an investigation is still in progress.