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A new bill that will come into effect in January 2009 will give the Swedish intelligence agency, which has the unfortunately uncool sounding name of National Defence Radio Establishment, the right to scan all international communications at will.

Apparently the Swedes aren’t all in agreement over the new powers. Check out the full SC Magazine article.

Google’s global privacy counsel has also weighed in. Peter Fleischer said: “By introducing these measures, the Swedish government is following the examples set by governments ranging from China and Saudi Arabia to the US government’s widely criticised eavesdropping programme.”

Supporters of the bill say it is necessary to help counter the growing threat of terrorism.

The law was passed by a slim 143-138 majority, with some last minute amendments made to appease opposing ministers.