Essay on Sweden’s Position on Personal Privacy in Cyberspace

Sweden’s Position on Personal Privacy in Cyberspace The Internet and computer age has enabled people to work faster and more efficiently, with practically unlimited access to information. As much as the technology boom has made our lives easier, as with most good inventions, there is some negativity that must be dealt with. The dissemination of information on the global network has put personal privacy at risk. Obviously, we are not going to give up new technologies that enrich human life for the sake of maintaining our privacy; however, measures must be taken to keep the public, or government, from abusing the Internet and computer databases for malevolent reasons. Every country in the world has its own policies on human rights to†¦show more content†¦Chapter 1, Article 2 of the Instrument of Government Act deals specifically with Swedish fundamental rights to privacy as provided by the government. This article promises that the government will conduct itself â€Å"with respect for the equal rights of all and the liberty an d dignity of the private person.† Moreover, the â€Å"public institutions shall secure equal rights for men and women and protect the private and family lives of private persons.†[2] The Swedish Constitution also guarantees individual protection against body searches, house searches, mail and other written correspondence searches, and eavesdropping on telephone conversations (Chapter 2, Article 6). In perusing Chapter 2 in its entirety, protection from political and religious discrimination is very important to Swedes. The articles within this chapter unequivocally declare Swedish and foreign national rights to gather, assemble, worship, express, have access to information, and to associate with public institutions of their choosing. Sweden enacted laws concerning personal privacy several years before the European Union did and is even considered the forbearer of such landmark legislation in the entire world.[3] Such legislation that will be discusses within this paper include the Data Act of