Published:
The Riksdag has voted in favour of adopting the Government's proposal, pending a second decision, on amendments to the Freedom of the Press Act and the Fundamental Law on the Freedom of Expression. The fact that the proposal is to be adopted pending a second decision means that the Riksdag needs to make another identically worded decision on the matter following the next parliamentary election.
The Government’s decision states that more requirements regarding accessibility can be imposed in ordinary law on products and services covered by constitutional protection. The purpose of the amendments is to ensure accessibility is provided for people with disabilities and meet the requirements based on membership of the European Union.
The proposed amendments will entail the following
- The scope will be expanded to require the introduction and design of product information in a certain way, for example on a package.
- It will be possible to impose accessibility requirements related to information, format and function on such things as e-books and e-commerce services.
- The obligation for network owners to retransmit accessibility service, such as subtitling and interpretation, will be applicable to programmes other than those of public service broadcasters.
Since the proposal applies to an amendment to the Constitution, the Riksdag is required to vote twice on the proposal with the same outcome, and a parliamentary election must be held between the votes. This is the first decision on the proposal.
The Committee on the Constitution proposes that the Riksdag vote in favour of adopting the proposal pending a second decision.
It is proposed that the amendments will come into force on 1 January 2027.