Sweden: Amendment to the Camera Surveillance Act (2018:1200) including removal of permit requirements for CCTV surveillance enters into force

On 1 April 2025, amendments to the Camera Surveillance Act (2018:1200) entered into force. The revised legislation removes the requirement for private and public actors to obtain a permit from the Swedish Authority for Privacy Protection (IMY) to conduct camera surveillance in places accessible to the public. The reform is intended to streamline procedures and reduce administrative burdens while upholding obligations under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Camera Surveillance Act. The original Act, which entered into force in August 2018, had established a permit-based system to balance public safety interests with individuals’ right to privacy. The 2025 amendments shift the regulatory focus from prior authorisation to accountability based on internal assessments and documentation.