Sweden’s government has proposed allowing police to use real-time, AI-powered facial recognition to combat serious crimes such as human trafficking, kidnapping, and murder. The proposed law, announced on Thursday, aims to strengthen law enforcement’s ability to address rising gang violence.
Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer stated that police need effective tools to restore public safety. Sweden has struggled with gang-related violence for over a decade and recorded the highest rate of deadly gun violence per capita in the EU in 2023.
Authorities assure that the law would comply with privacy regulations and be used only in cases of significant importance. If approved by parliament, the law is set to take effect in early 2026.
