Decision on the Traffic Data Warehouse is approaching

In early December, the proposal on traffic data retention was presented. Given what happened in Stockholm this weekend, I think everyone agrees that the police need modern methods of investigating crimes to have a reasonable chance of keeping up with technological developments. In addition, many people probably believe that 'preventive' surveillance, such as that carried out by the FRA, should be facilitated. However, that is not what traffic data retention is about, but rather saving the traffic already sent/transmitted.

The operators will pay for the adaptation of systems and the security management of the information, while the government will pay for the management of the actual disclosure. The government estimates the cost of customization at 200 million. This figure has remained stubbornly unchanged despite operators pointing out that it is probably four to five times higher. Why is the government ignoring this and seemingly refusing to engage with the industry on costs? Perhaps the answer is that it thinks the telecoms industry makes so much money that it doesn't matter. Even if one can understand the desire to keep costs out of the government budget from the perspective of the Minister of Finance, one may find it very difficult to accept in principle. For example, should successful companies that make large profits pay higher social security contributions? Or should Ericsson donate telecommunications equipment to the state just because they are making a profit?

Perhaps it would be better if the telecom industry was doing very badly financially? Perhaps the government would find it more difficult to impose unreasonable costs on an industry that is doing a bit poorly...? Sad thought.