Swedish privacy watchdog probes mass SMS blasts by two parties after 1,500 complaints

The Swedish Integrity Protection Authority (IMY) has launched a formal inquiry into the mass text-message operations carried out by Sverigedemokraterna and the Örebropartiet ahead of the recent election. According to a press release, the watchdog has received around 1,500 complaints and tips regarding the messages, the majority targeting Sverigedemokraterna’s outreach, with a smaller number relating to Örebropartiet. The investigation will examine the criteria used to select recipients, the technical platform employed, and whether the parties possessed a lawful basis under the GDPR and the regulation governing political advertising.

IMY unit chief Karin Thomasson emphasized that parties are generally allowed only limited contact with individuals who are not members or have not expressed interest in receiving such communications. The probe will assess compliance with data-protection rules and could lead to sanctions if violations are confirmed. The case underscores increasing scrutiny of how political parties use digital tools to reach voters in Sweden.