Russian Internet traffic in Swedish hands

According to newspaper Dagens Industri, the Russian aspect might be one of the reasons why the Swedish government now is pushing for the introduction of a controversial bill on electronic communications and signals intelligence.

An Internet expert from the Cisco company confirms to journal Computer Sweden that most of Russian and East European internet traffic goes through the cables of Telia Sonera International Carriers, and that this has been a key argument in the government’s push for extended bugging powers of its spy agency FRA.

Public criticism against the bill is now mounting in Sweden. As reported by Dagens Nyheter, hundreds of people yesterday gathered in front of the parliament building to protest against the new legislation.

The Swedish National Defence Radio Establishment (FRA) is the Swedish national authority for signals intelligence. The body is also engaged in information assurance and supports government authorities and state owned companies regarding current IT threats as well as general advice to improve security. The FRA is a civilian organisation, subordinated to the Ministry of Defence.

Photo illustration: Mil.se