Different degrees of protected identity

Those who are exposed to a serious and concrete threat can apply for protected personal data at the Swedish Tax Agency. It happens that relatives or others want to harm or even kill another person. There are three types of protected personal data: confidentiality marking, residence retention, and fictitious personal data.

A confidentiality marking is the lower degree of protected personal data. A confidentiality marking is an administrative action that makes it more difficult for others to access personal data in the population register. The confidentiality marking covers all personal data for the person in question.

A confidentiality marking serves as a warning signal that a review should be made before the data is disclosed. It is thus not absolute confidentiality.

Protected registration, previously known as "residence retention", provides stronger protection than confidentiality marking. When a person gets a marking for protected registration, the person can be registered in the old municipality despite having moved from there. The person can also be registered in another municipality with which he/she has not had any connection. The old address data is removed and the new address is not registered in the population register, and thus is never disseminated to other authorities. An address to the Tax Agency is registered where the mail is sent. Information about protected registration is sent to the region.

For those who are exposed to particularly serious crime and are threatened with life, health or freedom, a decision can be made about fictitious personal data or so-called new identity. This means that the person receives new identity data, such as a new name and new personal identification number. Decisions on fictitious personal data are made by the Police.

It is not common for older people to be exposed to this type of threat, but it happens. It is then important to have good routines to protect those who live under threat.

Living with a confidentiality marking

Living with a protected identity can be a complicated and challenging experience. It can mean that you have to leave your old life behind and adapt to a new identity. People with protected identity can also experience a feeling of isolation or loss of their original support network.

To live with a protected identity often requires cooperation with authorities, lawyers, and other experts. It is important to take the right precautions to protect the new identity and avoid being exposed. Living with a protected identity is a troublesome but sometimes necessary measure to ensure personal safety and integrity.

Exposing a person living under a protected identity can be punishable.

Revoking a protected identity

Revoking a protected identity in Sweden is a complicated and regulated process, and it is often subject to confidentiality due to the sensitive nature of the situation. Protected identity is usually used in situations where a person is threatened with serious risks, such as witness protection, and may have been assigned by authorities such as the Police Authority.

It is important to consult with a lawyer who specializes in such matters when considering revoking a protected identity because the process can be complicated and require legal support. It is also important to be aware that the authorities will take security issues very seriously and that it may be difficult to get the revocation approved if there is not convincing evidence that the threat has decreased or been completely eliminated.

Reflection questions - protected identity
Care staff:
- How would you introduce new colleagues if you had any of the residents living under threat?
- Have you had relatives who have acted threateningly towards your residents?
- Are there routines for how you should document if someone with a protected identity would move in?

Manager, nurse, occupational therapist and physiotherapist:
- How would you create safe routines if someone with a protected identity moves into the residence?
- How would you inform the employees?
- Would you do a special risk analysis?

Residents and relatives:
- It is extremely unusual for older people to need protected personal data. Have you encountered it in your life?  

Erland Olsson
Specialist nurse
Sofrosyne - Better care every day