esponding to influence against the conduct of general elections: A study of the legal framework for measures countering influence on the conduct of general elections

Authors:

  • Maria Refors Legge

Publish date: 2023-04-11

Report number: FOI-R--5449--SE

Pages: 93

Written in: Swedish

Keywords:

  • Election interference
  • disinformation
  • information influence activities
  • misinformation
  • free speech.

Abstract

This report includes an account of the Swedish authorities' legal possibilities to counter information influence activities aimed at the conduct of elections. The report presents an analysis of the criminal sanction possibilities that can be used to prevent information influence activities against Swedish elections. The analysis is based on four scenarios. The report contains a fundamental review of the freedom of expression in the Swedish constitutions and how these relate to the provisions of the criminal code regarding, for example, improper actions during voting, illegal threats, and defamation. The report is intended to support the election administration in their efforts to protect Swedish general elections again information influence activities. Above all, the report is designed to provide insight into when suspected information influence activities can or should be reported to the police.