The Swedish Government Inquiry proposes shortening the general retention period for flight passenger data and introducing clearer rules for how such data may be disclosed to certain law enforcement authorities. The system would also be extended to cover ferry, train, and bus travel to and from Sweden. Additionally, data collected in transport companies' commercial operations should, in certain cases, be usable for law enforcement purposes, according to the inquiry.
The proposals are based on a ruling from the EU Court of Justice that sets clearer requirements on how flight passenger data may be collected and stored. The changes aim to ensure Sweden complies with EU law while maintaining an effective tool for preventing and combating terrorist crimes and other serious crime. The inquiry also proposes several privacy-protecting measures, including requirements for prior review when data is disclosed and clear limitations on how data may be used.
The report will now be sent for consultation, and the legislative changes are proposed to enter into force on January 1, 2028. Specific details, such as the exact new retention periods and which authorities will have access, have not been disclosed.