History of Censorship in Sweden
The history of censorship in Sweden highlights the country's progressive stance on freedom of expression, beginning with the groundbreaking Freedom of the Press Act established in 1766. This act made Sweden the first nation to recognize press freedom, although it faced a period of repression in the late 1800s before constitutional reforms in 1809 restored its principles. The Freedom of the Press Act was revised in 1949, reinforcing the media's role as a public watchdog and prohibiting public censorship of the press. A "responsible publisher" must be designated for periodicals, and legal actions against newspapers typically revolve around libel rather than censorship.
While pornography has historically gone unpunished, there has been some oversight in the film industry, where the National Board of Film Censorship reviewed movies for public screening until the law was abolished in 2010. In 1991, Sweden further strengthened its commitment to free speech with the Fundamental Law on Freedom of Expression, which encompasses new media platforms and prohibits censorship. However, the law also addresses hate speech and allows authorities to track online hate crimes. Overall, Sweden's approach to censorship reflects a balance between upholding freedom of expression and addressing societal concerns, making it a fascinating case study in the evolution of media regulation.
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History of Censorship in Sweden
Description: Northern European state with a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary form of government
Significance: Since the mid-eighteenth century Sweden has prohibited censorship of the press, a liberal policy that has been extended to include all information media
Sweden appears to have been the first country in the world to establish freedom of the press when its parliament adopted a Freedom of the Press Act in 1766. A brief relapse into repression and censorship during the final decades of the eighteenth century was halted by constitutional reform in 1809. Another Freedom of the Press Act dates from 1949 and incorporates several subsequent amendments.
Swedish lawmakers have viewed and supported the media in the role of public watchdog, and public censorship of the press has been forbidden. Swedish law has required that the owner of any periodical appearing four times a year or more appoint a “responsible publisher,” who is held solely accountable for any violation of the Freedom of the Press Act. A Press Ombudsman for the General Public, sponsored by the media organizations, investigates alleged violations. The law also explicitly prohibits the investigation or disclosure of newspaper reporters’ sources of information. Exceptions include state employees who inform the media of information that could be detrimental to the security of the state. Legal actions against newspapers have mostly concerned libel. Except in special cases, pornography has not been punishable by Swedish law. Part of the 1949 Freedom of the Press Act includes the principle of free access to public documents, except those relating to matters of national security and foreign relations, documents relating to criminal matters, and information concerning the personal integrity and safety of individuals.
Since electronic media was not included in the 1949 Freedom of the Press Act, the Radio and Broadcasting Liability Acts were passed in 1967. In 1977 these were superseded by Sweden’s Mass Media Act in which the principles of noninterference, dating back to the mid-eighteenth century, were extended to all information media.
An exception to the general ban on prepublication censorship has involved the film industry. Movies intended for public showing are previewed by the National Board of Film Censorship, which is empowered to delete certain sequences or ban a film altogether. Censorship has been exercised mainly in the interest of young viewers, and it has generally been directed against excessive brutality or prurience. There have been unsuccessful attempts to abolish film censorship altogether. Despite demands for a careful scrutiny of video material there has been no censorship of videos, but video films, presented for public screening, have had to be vetted by the film censors. In 2010 Sweden abolished its film censorship law, though films are still screened and given ratings.
In 1991 Sweden further expanded its freedom of expression laws with the Fundamental Law on Freedom of Expression. With the frequent introduction of new technologies and media, Swedish lawmakers saw the need to create new legislation to protect freedom of expression on those new platforms. All forms of Internet media fall under the umbrella of "new media" in the Fundamental Law on Freedom of Expression. The law also prohibits censorship and allows website editors to apply for freedom of speech protection under the Swedish Constitution.
While these laws maintain openness in the press, there are provisions against hate speech. In 2013 the government gave the police force the ability to identify and access IP addresses that were the source of online hate speech or crime. Defamation is also considered a crime punishable by law. In January 2013 the government started to look into a bill that would extend defamation crimes to include online defamation, but as of 2015, a law was not passed.
Bibliography
"Freedom of the Press—Sweden 2014." Freedom House. Freedom , 2015. Web. 24 Nov. 2015.
"Freedom of the Press Act." Sveriges Riksdag. Sveriges Riksdag, 11 June 2014. Web. 24 Nov. 2015
"Openness Shapes Swedish Society." Sweden. Swedish Inst., 11 Sept. 2015. Web. 24 Nov. 2015.
"The Fundamental Law on Freedom of Expression." Sveriges Riksdag. Sveriges Riksdag, 13 June 2014. Web. 24 Nov. 2015
"Sweden One of the Last Democracies to Ban Film Censorship." Radio Sweden. Sveriges Radio, 31 July 2015. Web. 24 Nov. 2015.