Yes, dashcams are legal in Sweden under strict privacy and data protection rules. The Swedish Authority for Privacy Protection (IMY) permits their use if recordings comply with GDPR and do not infringe on others’ privacy rights. Continuous monitoring without consent is prohibited, and footage must be deleted if irrelevant to an incident.
Key Regulations for Dashcams in Sweden
- GDPR Compliance: Dashcam recordings are considered personal data under GDPR. Drivers must ensure footage does not capture identifiable individuals without lawful basis (e.g., accident documentation). IMY enforces this via the Data Protection Act (2018:218).
- Public vs. Private Use: Recording in public spaces is generally permitted, but capturing private property (e.g., neighbors’ homes) violates privacy laws. The Swedish Penal Code (Brottsbalken) may apply if recordings are deemed intrusive.
- Data Retention: Footage must be deleted within 30 days unless retained for legal proceedings. IMY’s 2024 guidance clarifies that indefinite storage risks fines under GDPR Article 5(1)(e).
Swedish courts have upheld dashcam evidence in traffic disputes but reject it if obtained unlawfully. The 2026 EU AI Act’s impending enforcement may further restrict AI-powered dashcams analyzing bystanders’ behavior. Always disable recording in restricted zones (e.g., military areas per the Security Protection Act).