Sweden blocks ChatGPT and Claude in government ministries

Sweden's government offices have cut off staff access to the AI services ChatGPT and Claude from work computers. Sveriges Radio reported the move recently. It applies to employees in the Swedish ministries, which are part of Regeringskansliet, the body that also includes the Prime Minister's Office. The ministries are based partly at Rosenbad in Stockholm.

The decision was taken by Regeringskansliet itself. Its stated aim is to gather AI use in solutions that have been approved by the employer, rather than leaving staff to use open, publicly available AI services on their own.

The report comes from the Norwegian outlet Digi, which notes that it is unclear what rules apply in Norway. Since the end of October, Digi has been trying to get an answer from Norwegian authorities on whether employees can use open AI services from their work machines. As of publication, that question remained unanswered.

The Swedish step shows one way a government can respond to staff use of consumer AI tools: block them on official devices and steer people toward sanctioned alternatives. The article gives no further detail on which approved tools Swedish staff are expected to use, or on the specific reasons behind the restriction beyond the goal of consolidating use in employer-approved systems.