Police put surveillance above privacy at Sweden's election stalls
Swedish police will keep public-square cameras running where parties have set up election stalls, even though the footage can indicate a person's possible political affiliation.
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SVT reported Sunday that the Police Authority decided its surveillance interest outweighs the privacy case for switching cameras off. The decision applies at Umeå's Rådhustorget and other monitored squares nationwide during the campaign.
Umeå police chief Michael Rystedt said people can choose whether to approach the stalls. Police say public-space cameras must support crime prevention, investigation or public-order work.
Sweden's privacy watchdog IMY has warned that temporary activities such as election stalls and demonstrations create a heightened privacy interest. In a January review of police drone surveillance, it said police guidance should more clearly identify and assess sensitive areas within surveillance zones.
The Police Authority says it weighs surveillance needs against privacy before using cameras. Sweden votes on 13 September.
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