Goodbye, democracy

The Parliament of Sweden (Riksdag) passed Preposition 2006/07:63 a few minutes ago (143 YEA, 138 NAY, 67 ABSTAIN). Essentially, this means that government wiretapping of all electronic communication which "crosses the borders of Sweden" (which in practice means almost ALL electronic communication due to our common routing through nearby nations) has been legalized. To put it in other terms: None of our phone calls, e-mails, text messages or browsing habits are subject to privacy any longer.

Google has stated it will move its servers out of Sweden, and several of our phone and internet operators have already started to move out of this country. This is not just bad, it is catastrophic on an Orwellian scale. DDR was the last nation in Europe to have a law similar to, but not as bad as this one.

After I post this message, I will begin encryption of all of my electronic signals without exception. I will also leave Sweden as soon as possible, hopefully before it is too late to escape the Big Brother information society that was created tonight. I am not joking about this. Thank you.

What was the motivating reason behind the passing of this bill? Terrorism?

What was the motivating reason behind the passing of this bill? Terrorism?

Indeed, amongst related arguments which are meant as evident evocation of fear (e.g. bombings and organized crime). Members of the Swedish "liberal" parties currently in power have been extremely evasive about specific comments relating to these portrayed threats.

In fact, since the 2001 WTC bombings, terrorism has hardly been discussed at all here. The "aftermath" of the London and Spain bombings involved around a week of public debate before falling into oblivion.

Things just seem too hasty. I have no doubt whatsoever that there are other interests behind this than to protect our citizens from terrorism. Political pressures from the U.S. relating to The Pirate Bay is the first thing that comes to mind, but who knows what this will lead to?

I just looked this up on The Pirate Bay.

Today the frontpage is in Swedish again. We're sorry for that but it's important that also people outside of Sweden know what's going on. We hope to raise awareness by doing this. There is a new law being voted for on the 17th of June here in Sweden. The law would give the government the right to listen to all telephone and internet traffic that crosses the borders outside of Sweden. In reality - it's basically all traffic in Sweden since we're a small nation and Internet is global. We want to let you understand more and read up on what this means - and make your voice heard about this! This is a major threat against our civil rights and we must act. We must act now! Read more about this on the new webpage started for this! And do it now, after june 17th it's too late!

This is an exact quote. Apparently it's too late though.

Chruser, run away as soon as possible!

Drr Drr Drr

You can live in my basement.

Well, this is just too stupid. I'm left speechless.

Well, this is just too stupid. I'm left speechless.

Speechless by the hands of the Swedish authority?

Is there any other information to support such a preposition? What silliness.

Any ideas on which country you will emigrate to?

Is there any other information to support such a preposition? What silliness.

None has been made public.

Any ideas on which country you will emigrate to?

Ideas for countries which offer 100/10 mbps connection with no bandwidth transfer caps for $50 or less per month are welcome.

He could come to England - we're not monitored as much, after all.

---

143 YEA, 138 NAY, 67 ABSTAIN

I can't see people letting this go without a fight. Is it possible for another vote to be called? Without the majority, the group that said "YEA" have to be careful with any more laws in relation to this one, no?

Is there any other information to support such a preposition? What silliness.

None has been made public.

Any ideas on which country you will emigrate to?

Ideas for countries which offer 100/10 mbps connections with no bandwidth transfer caps for $50 or less per month are welcome.

I can't see people letting this go without a fight. Is it possible for another vote to be called? Without the majority, the group that said "YEA" have to be careful with any more laws in relation to this one, no?

I am confident the legislation will be combated in the European Court of Human Rights, but who knows how long that will take? The "Alliance" government currently in power has completely disregarded their voters and portrayed ideals, and who knows what they'll accomplish in the next few years until re-election?

Oh, so it's not a single party, but rather a coalition govt.?

Indeed. The current coalition government that rules Sweden has been in power since 2006.

Let me know when you find a country that has freedom.

Seriously.

He could come to England - we're not monitored as much, after all. --- I can't see people letting this go without a fight. Is it possible for another vote to be called? Without the majority, the group that said "YEA" have to be careful with any more laws in relation to this one, no?

England is well on it's way. Nanny state.

I'm kinda speechless, I figured Homeland Security would have passed this before Sweden.

How's South Korea?

Well, that's pretty fucked up. My condolences.

america hasent got that butwere i live the internet is slow with ie but with firfox it is faster