Sweden’s privacy watchdog probes AI used to assess jobseekers
Sweden’s privacy watchdog is investigating an AI system used to assess which jobseekers should receive support from the Public Employment Service, including access to its Rusta och matcha programme.
The Swedish Authority for Privacy Protection, IMY, announced the inquiry on 5 November. It concerns a statistical assessment tool that caseworkers at Arbetsförmedlingen use when considering whether someone should join the employment programme.
Investigators will examine how the system works and what jobseekers are told about the processing of their personal information. They will also assess whether that processing is lawful and necessary, and which personal data it requires.
Another question is whether the system involves automated decision-making. IMY has not announced a finding that the tool breaks data-protection rules.
Linn Sandmark, an IMY unit head, said people need to understand how their data is used when AI informs cases with substantial consequences for work or study.
The watchdog opened the inquiry following tips and media reports. It has made AI in the public sector a priority for its supervision and guidance during 2026.
DailySweden
DailySweden's desk of editors, reporters, researchers and investigative journalists. We bring readers factual, truthful and objective reporting on the issues that matter to them.