Säkerhet eller frihet? : En strukturell flernivåanalys av den svenska säkerhetsskyddslagen (2018:585)

Sammanfattning

This study analyzes the balance between national security and individual freedom in Sweden through a qualitative analysis of the Security Protection Act (2018:585). The study aims to investigate how security legislation is legitimized, implemented in practice, and what implications it has for the individual freedom in Sweden. The study is based on interdisciplinary theories from previous research within the fields of sociology and jurisprudence. The empirical analysis is based on Swedish official documents, including Government Proposition 2017/18:89, the Security Protection Act, and guidelines from the Swedish Security Service. The analysis identifies a shift towards security interests driven by a preventive risk logic. While these security measures remain constitutionally and legally justified, the study raises concerns about their long-term implications, including the risk of security practices that may contribute to the normalization of surveillance. The result of the study identifies a shift towards a more comprehensive security approach, where responsibility for security protection is no longer solely state-centered but increasingly shared with operators in security-sensitive sectors. This creates new expectations for civilian actors and business owners, despite the study finding no clear qualification requirements to ensure effective implementation of security legislation. The study contributes through a replicable analytical framework and empirical insights into how democratic states, such as Sweden, balance stronger national security measures with individual freedoms.