Sweden tightens oversight of unemployment benefits with IP tracking

Sweden’s unemployment benefits system has introduced a digital monitoring mechanism that has already begun identifying instances of non-compliance. The national employment agency is now verifying the geographic origin of claimants’ logins when they request benefits, revealing that not all applicants are accessing the system from within Sweden, according to Euronews.

To receive unemployment benefits in Sweden, recipients must be present in the country and actively seeking employment. If an individual wishes to travel, they must inform the agency in advance, which will temporarily suspend their payments. Pursuing work opportunities from abroad is only permitted if prior authorization is granted.

Official data indicates that approximately 4,000 individuals have accessed the job portal from outside Sweden. These users will be contacted by authorities in the near future to discuss their eligibility for benefits.

«Our primary objective is to ensure responsible management of taxpayer funds,» states Andreas Malmgren of the employment office. «We are identifying individuals located abroad who should be present in Sweden actively seeking work.»

The unemployment benefits involved are substantial, reaching up to €2,500 monthly before taxes. Individuals found to violate the rules may forfeit their entitlements or be required to repay benefits already received.

The Netherlands implemented a similar initiative but discontinued it following concerns from privacy advocates. Sweden, however, maintains that its IP tracking measures are legal and necessary, and the policy is clearly stated on its official website.