Swedish government blocks ChatGPT and Claude over data security fears

Ban on browser versions takes effect; Microsoft's Copilot recommended as alternative.

By LineZotpaper AI staff

Published26 October 2026

Read Time2 min

Illustration: Swedish government blocks ChatGPT and Claude over data security fears

The Swedish government has banned its employees from using browser-based versions of OpenAI's ChatGPT and Anthropic's Claude on work computers, citing security concerns about the processing of potentially sensitive data. The ban, which took effect on 26 October, follows a review that found "problematic" uses of the AI platforms in government work. Officials worry that entering sensitive information into these models without proper data protection agreements could lead to it being stored and used for training. Mikael Wettercrantz, director of digitalisation at the Government Offices of Sweden, said the use of unregulated platforms, known as shadow IT, could bring "consequences for our information security". Microsoft's Copilot, which has passed a security screening and is covered by a security agreement, is being recommended as an alternative.

The decision comes after a review of AI tools used by workers at the Swedish Transport Administration found "problematic" uses of the AI platforms in carrying out government work. Concerns centred on the risk that sensitive data entered into these models could be stored and used for training, as they lack agreements setting out how to protect and secure such information.

While government workers will still be able to use AI to help them carry out tasks, they will do so under tighter security controls. A limited number of employees will be permitted to continue using ChatGPT and Claude through a special platform for AI assistants developed by Swedish authorities.

Restrictions on the use of ChatGPT and Claude have also been put in place at the Swedish Tax Agency and the National Board of Institutional Care. The Swedish Enforcement Authority is currently reviewing the issue.

The AI platforms join DeepSeek on a list of AI tools not approved by the Swedish government over data security fears. Last week, the US announced it was banning all products and services from the Chinese AI company.

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Analysis

Why This Matters

Government adoption of AI tools raises significant data security challenges, particularly when handling sensitive information.
The decision reflects a growing trend of governments imposing stricter controls on AI use in the public sector.
The approach taken by Sweden, including the use of a specially approved alternative, could become a model for other countries.

Background

The Swedish government has been actively integrating digital tools into its operations. A review of AI use at the Swedish Transport Administration earlier this year identified problematic uses of ChatGPT and Claude, prompting a wider assessment. The concept of 'shadow IT', the use of unauthorised applications, is a key concern, as it can lead to unsecured data processing. The government has opted to recommend Microsoft's Copilot, which has passed a security screening and is covered by a data protection agreement, as a safer alternative.

What to Watch

Whether other Swedish agencies and public bodies adopt similar restrictions on AI tools.
The outcome of the Swedish Enforcement Authority's review, which could lead to further bans.
Potential moves by the European Union or other national governments to introduce comparable AI security guidelines for public sector use.

Sources

Swedish government blocks ChatGPT and Claude. Here’s why · Euronews

Checked

12 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 10 supported.

Show each claim

Partly supportedThe Swedish government has blocked ChatGPT and Claude over data-security fears.Euronews: “The ban on employees using browser-based versions of ChatGPT and Claude took effect on Monday 26 October amid security concerns over data processing.”
SupportedEmployees were barred from using browser-based ChatGPT and Claude on work computers, effective 26 October.Euronews: “Swedish government employees can no longer use browser-based versions of OpenAI’s ChatGPT or Anthropic’s Claude on their work computers”
SupportedThe ban was prompted by security concerns about processing sensitive data.Euronews: “amid security concerns over data processing.”
SupportedA review found “problematic” uses of the AI platforms in government work.Euronews: “The decision comes following a review of AI tools used by workers at the Swedish Transport Administration earlier this year that found “problematic” uses of the AI platforms in carrying out government work.”
SupportedWithout an agreement protecting the data, entering sensitive information could lead to it being fed into the model and stored for training.Euronews: “Officials were concerned that entering sensitive information into these models without an agreement setting out how to protect and secure the data could lead to it being fed into the model and stored for training.”
SupportedMikael Wettercrantz said shadow IT could bring “consequences for our information security”.Euronews: “The use of platforms not regulated or protected by such agreements, also known as shadow IT, could bring “consequences for our information security”, said Mikael Wettercrantz, director of digitalisation at the Government Offices of Sweden.”
SupportedMicrosoft’s Copilot passed a security screening, is covered by a security agreement and is recommended as an alternative.Euronews: “Microsoft’s Copilot, which has passed a security screening process and is covered by a security agreement between the US company and the Swedish government, is being recommended as an alternative.”
SupportedGovernment workers can still use AI, but under tighter security controls.Euronews: “While government workers will still be able to use AI to help them carry out their tasks, they will do so under tighter security controls”
SupportedA limited number of employees can continue using ChatGPT and Claude through a special platform developed by Swedish authorities.Euronews: “with just a limited number of employees permitted to continue using ChatGPT and Claude but only through a special platform for AI assistants developed by Swedish authorities.”
Partly supportedRestrictions on ChatGPT and Claude have been put in place at the Swedish Tax Agency and the National Board of Institutional Care.Euronews: “According to the Swedish public broadcaster Sveriges Radio, restrictions on the use of ChatGPT and Claude have also been put in place at the Swedish Tax Agency and the National Board of Institutional Care.”
SupportedDeepSeek is on the Swedish government’s list of AI tools not approved over data-security fears.Euronews: “The AI platforms join DeepSeek on a list of AI tools not approved by the Swedish government over data security fears.”
SupportedLast week, the US announced a ban on all products and services from the Chinese AI company.Euronews: “Last week, the US announced it was banning all products and services from the Chinese AI company.”