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The 5th of July Foundation has issued a comment letter to the public inquiry SOU 2024:59, on “signals intelligence in defense” in Sweden.

In short, we argue that the proposal to increase the authority of the FRA (the National Defence Radio Establishment) to surveil Swedes and Swedes’ communications is in violation of the fundamental protections of privacy and correspondence that the European Convention on Human Rights warrants.

In addition, the inquiry demonstrates substantial shortcomings, for example by not describing and quantifying negative consequences of the proposals, which makes assessments of proportionality impossible.

The 5th of July Foundation therefore advises against the law proposal.

Instead, we recommend a review of all surveillance laws, which includes the costs of surveillance.

Our comment letter can be read in Swedish here:

• Yttrande/Remiss över Signalspaning i försvarsunderrättelseverksamhet – en modern och ändamålsenlig lagstiftning (SOU 2024:59), Fö2024/01478 (PDF)

It’s the end of the year, and the 5th of July Foundation has made donations to EFF and the Tor Project, both non-profit organizations who share our goals.

The Electronic Frontier Foundation in the US does an immensely important work fighting surveillance and censorship, and defending encryption and free expression worldwide. We donated during their “Power Up” week, which means that every donation to EFF is doubled by sponsors.

The Tor Project develops tools that enables anonymous communication through onion routing. The 5th of July Foundation has contributed to the project both with a donation and with infrastructure.

The 5th of July Foundation has issued a comment letter to the public inquiry SOU 2023:75, on “strengthened constitutional preparedness” in Sweden.

In short, we argue that allowing new ways to pass laws during peacetime crises risks leading to an unacceptable curtailment of human rights.

History has shown us, both in Sweden and abroad, that there is rather a need for strengthening the protection of the people and the parliament, particularly in the case of a minority government.

In addition, we conclude that the inquiry lacks the level of quality that the basis for legislation should have.

The 5th of July Foundation therefore advises against the law proposal.

Our comment letter can be read in Swedish here:

• Yttrande/Remiss över SOU 2023:75 ”Stärkt konstitutionell beredskap” Ju2023/02742 (PDF)

The 5th of July Foundation has issued a comment letter to the public inquiry SOU 2023:22, on “data retention and access to electronic information” in Sweden.

In short, we argue that

• the inquiry does not reach the level of quality that legislation demands,
• parts of the commission’s report are based on misunderstandings regarding how internet and telecommunications work,
• the law proposal is disproportionate,
• the law proposal is in violation of the basic protection of privacy and private communications,
• the law proposal is, with high probability, in violation of EU law.

The 5th of July Foundation therefore advises against the law proposal.

Our comment letter can be read in Swedish here:

• Yttrande/Remiss över SOU 2023:22 ”Datalagring och åtkomst till elektronisk information” Ju 2023/01326 (PDF)

As of today, Dr Erik Lakomaa is Chairman of the 5th of July Foundation, as unanimously decided by the Board of Trustees. He succeeds Oscar Swartz, who had been Chairman of the foundation for over ten years.

Dr Lakomaa is Associate Professor in Economic History at the Stockholm School of Economics, where he has headed the Institute for Economic and Business History Research (EHFF) since 2013. His field of research is how organizations historically have adapted to external change, for example in the form of new technology.

Fun fact: Dr Lakomaa is also a four-time grand master of the quiz show Jeopardy.

Why is the work of the 5th of July Foundation important, Erik?

“The internet is now the public square of the 21st century. Yet, while we would never accept routine searches of our homes or prior restraint on our newspapers, many governments treat the online world as a legal Wild West, vacuuming up data, restricting speech, or outsourcing censorship to private platforms. These intrusions are spreading not only in authoritarian states, but in democracies that should know better.”

“The 5th of July Foundation exists to make sure our fundamental freedoms travel with us online. We defend the right to speak, to read, and to connect without being watched—matching principled advocacy with the practical tools that turn digital rights from slogans into safeguards.”

How does the Foundation’s work connect to your previous experience?

“For two decades my research has focused on the interaction between technology, markets, and the law. This also includes how unchecked data collection distorts power, and how even well-meaning legislation can chip away at civil liberties. I have collaborated with activists, engineers, and fellow scholars to expose surveillance overreach and to craft policy rooted in human rights.”

“Chairing the 5th of July Foundation is therefore a continuation of the same mission, only with a different and bigger toolbox.”

What is your vision for the 5th of July Foundation?

“I want us to remain fiercely independent and focused on the essentials: defending digital rights and building alternatives where others won’t. That includes maintaining secure infrastructure, challenge surveillance laws, and standing up for privacy and free speech, even when it’s unpopular or inconvenient.”

“At the same time, I’d like to broaden our reach, to work more closely with researchers, educators, and grassroots groups in Sweden and abroad. Democracies don’t protect themselves. Neither does the internet. Our role is to help do both.”