The National Audit Office has reviewed the Swedish Security Service's work on counter-espionage, counter-terrorism, constitutional protection, and security protection, as well as how the government governs the agency.
In the report, it is stated that the conditions for conducting the activities efficiently are partially insufficient. This is due to both the fact that legislation "puts obstacles in the way" and a lack of resources.
National Audit Office Director Claudia Gardberg Morner says in a press release that the Swedish Security Service's activities have a special position.
"It is absolutely central to our country that this work functions efficiently," she says.
To increase efficiency, the agency recommends, among other things, that the Swedish Security Service share intelligence with the Government Offices to a greater extent. It also highlights the importance of being able to process personal data in a more comprehensive manner in order to link individuals who pose a security risk to Sweden. It is also important that the Swedish Security Service is able to use AI to handle large amounts of information, writes the National Audit Office.
The National Audit Office also recommends that the government request more information on how the activities are progressing.
Minister of Justice Gunnar Strömmer (The Moderate Party) welcomes the review.
"The government will now carefully analyze the recommendations that the National Audit Office has submitted and subsequently respond in a letter to the Riksdag," says Strömmer in a written comment to TT.
Anna Hansson/TT
Facts: The National Audit Office's review
TTTT
The National Audit Office's review is conducted to see if the Swedish Security Service, which has grown significantly since it became an independent agency in 2015, is working for Sweden's security in an efficient manner.
The Swedish Security Service is recommended to:
share intelligence with the Government Offices to a greater extent.
direct its supervision of security protection towards physical protection, information security, and personnel security.
clarify and concretize its internal governance and processes for open information gathering and processing.
Source: The National Audit Office
