> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.botbrains.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# AI Cold Calling Laws in Sweden
> Is AI cold calling legal in Sweden? Consent rules for automated calls under Marknadsföringslagen, the NIX-Telefon register, call recording, and AI disclosure.
export const reviewed_0 = "October 2026"
In Sweden, an AI agent may only make marketing calls to consumers and sole traders who agreed to it beforehand. Section 19 of the Marketing Practices Act ([Marknadsföringslagen, 2008:486](https://www.riksdagen.se/sv/dokument-och-lagar/dokument/svensk-forfattningssamling/marknadsforingslag-2008486_sfs-2008-486/)) requires prior consent for automated calling systems that no person operates. Calls to companies and calls by a human are more open, but an opt-in or a ban for consumer calls is under review.
This page summarizes the law as of {reviewed_0} to help you plan AI phone calls. It isn't legal advice. Laws and how regulators apply them change, so check your use case with a lawyer before you start a campaign.
## At a glance
| Call | To consumers (B2C) | To businesses (B2B) |
| - | - | - |
| Inbound service call | Allowed. Disclose the AI and the recording. | Allowed. Disclose the AI and the recording. |
| Outbound service call | Allowed. Keep offers out of the call. | Allowed |
| Marketing callback the person asked for | Allowed. The request counts as consent. | Allowed |
| Marketing call by an AI agent | Consent required, also from existing customers | Companies: allowed. Respect objections.
Sole traders: consent required, also from existing customers. |
| Marketing call by a human to existing customers | Allowed for the same type of products, even if registered in NIX-Telefon | Allowed. Respect objections. |
| Cold marketing call by a human | Allowed unless registered in NIX-Telefon | Allowed. Respect objections. |
## Is AI cold calling legal in Sweden?
Only with prior consent when you call a natural person. Section 19, Sweden's version of [ePrivacy Directive Art. 13(1)](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32002L0058), allows "uppringningsautomater eller andra liknande automatiska system för individuell kommunikation som inte betjänas av någon enskild" for marketing "bara om den fysiska personen har samtyckt till det på förhand." In English: automatic calling machines or similar automated systems that no individual operates, only if the natural person consented in advance.
**Who it protects.** The rule covers natural persons, including sole traders (enskild näringsidkare). Limited companies and other legal persons fall outside it. GDPR still applies to the employee you reach, so you need a legitimate interest and must stop when they object ([GDPR Art. 21](https://gdpr-info.eu/art-21-gdpr/)).
**Whether an AI agent counts.** No Swedish court or regulator has ruled on AI agents. The test is whether an individual operates the system, and nobody operates an AI agent that runs the call alone. The industry rules of Kontakta and SWEDMA require prior consent for "digitala samtal (robo-calling)" that no human conducts in any part ([Etiska regler, 3.4](https://kontakta.se/upl/files/193291)). Treat AI agent calls as automated.
**Human in the loop.** A human who only listens or can take over doesn't change the answer. Only a call that a person conducts falls under the opt-out rule below.
## Cold calls by a human
Section 21 allows live marketing calls unless the person "tydligt motsatt sig" (clearly objected). The consumer agency Konsumentverket treats a NIX-Telefon registration as that objection ([report 2025:5](https://publikationer.konsumentverket.se/var-verksamhet/redovisningsrapport-20255-telefonforsaljning)), so screen consumer numbers first. Companies have no register and no opt-out rule, but respect any objection you receive.
When you call a consumer to sell, a contract only exists once the consumer accepts your written offer after the call. Otherwise it's invalid and the consumer owes nothing ([2 kap. 3 a § Distansavtalslagen](https://www.riksdagen.se/sv/dokument-och-lagar/dokument/svensk-forfattningssamling/lag-200559-om-distansavtal-och-avtal-utanfor_sfs-2005-59/), since September 1, 2018).
On July 9, 2026, the government launched an inquiry into an opt-in requirement or a full or sector ban for telephone sales to consumers. It reports by January 15, 2027 ([press release](https://www.regeringen.se/pressmeddelanden/2026/07/forbud-mot-telefonforsaljning-ska-utredas/), [assignment HR2026/01525](https://www.regeringen.se/contentassets/4d7e166bffd143f781a4edeab6aa38ae/ett-starkt-konsumentskydd-vid-telefonforsaljning-hr202601525/)). Konsumentverket proposed a ban, with opt-in as the fallback.
## Existing customers and callback requests
**Existing customers.** Section 19 has an existing-customer exception for email only, so your AI agent needs consent here too. A human may call existing customers about the same type of products, even if they're in NIX-Telefon. NIX-Telefon counts the relationship up to one year after the contract ends, while Konsumentverket says it ends with the contract.
**Callback requests.** In [MD 2006:14](https://lagen.nu/dom/md/2006:14), people typed their number on a website and got an automated call seconds later. The Market Court treated those steps as consent. Call back only about what the person asked for, and keep a record of the request.
## Do-not-call register: NIX-Telefon
| | |
| - | - |
| Register | [NIX-Telefon](https://www.nixtelefon.org/), run by Föreningen NIX-Telefon under SWEDMA since 2000. It's industry self-regulation, not a state register. |
| Coverage | Fixed and mobile numbers of private persons. Companies can't register. |
| Screening | Check before you call. A clean result is valid for two months. |
| Fees | Web screening costs SEK 0.17 per number, with a minimum top-up of SEK 1,000 ([prices](https://www.nixtelefon.org/for-foretag)). |
| Exceptions | Explicit consent, existing customers, and business calls to sole traders registered for VAT, F-tax, or as an employer |
The register still matters when you have consent. NIX-Telefon lets you rely on consent to call a registered number for three months only.
## Consent for AI calls
Through the [ePrivacy Directive (Art. 2(f))](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32002L0058), consent follows the GDPR standard: voluntary, specific, informed, and unambiguous ([GDPR Art. 4(11)](https://gdpr-info.eu/art-4-gdpr/)).
| Requirement | What it means for you |
| - | - |
| Covers automated calls | Mention calls by an AI agent, not just "phone contact." |
| Names the company | NIX-Telefon requires consent per company. A list of "partners" isn't enough. |
| States the purpose | For example, offers on electricity contracts. |
| Provable | You carry the burden of proof ([GDPR Art. 7(1)](https://gdpr-info.eu/art-7-gdpr/)). Store the text, date, number, and form version. |
| Recent | Use it within three months if the number is in NIX-Telefon. |
**Purchased lists and partners.** Ask the vendor for the exact consent text and the collection method, since you're liable for calls on your behalf. botBrains asks for this evidence before outbound campaigns, see [Before you start outbound campaigns](/concepts/phone/countries#before-you-start-outbound-campaigns).
## Tell callers they're talking to an AI
Since August 2, 2026, [Article 50 of the EU AI Act](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=OJ:L_202401689#art_50) requires that people know they're talking to an AI system, at the latest when the conversation starts. This applies to inbound and outbound calls, to consumers and to business contacts, and you can't count on the exception for obvious cases when your AI agent sounds human. The [default introduction](/concepts/phone#introductions) already says that your AI agent is an AI, so keep that statement first when you edit it. When you call a consumer to sell something, the [Consumer Rights Directive](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2011/83/oj/eng) also requires you to name your company, anyone you call for, and the commercial purpose at the start.
Sweden has no separate rule for AI voices. When you call a consumer to sell, [2 kap. 3 a § Distansavtalslagen](https://www.riksdagen.se/sv/dokument-och-lagar/dokument/svensk-forfattningssamling/lag-200559-om-distansavtal-och-avtal-utanfor_sfs-2005-59/) requires your identity, the purpose, and the name of the person speaking at the start. An AI agent has no personal name, so give the agent's name and say it's an AI. Section 9 of the Marketing Practices Act also requires that it's clear who is behind the marketing.
Recommended introduction for outbound marketing calls:
```text theme={null}
Hej, det här är {agent_name} från {project_name}. Jag är en AI. Jag ringer för att berätta om [erbjudandet]. Samtalet spelas in. Tryck på stjärntangenten när som helst om du inte vill att samtalet spelas in. Vill du inte att vi ringer dig igen? Säg det, så ringer vi inte fler gånger.
```
For inbound calls:
```text theme={null}
Hej, det här är {agent_name} från {project_name}. Jag är en AI. Samtalet spelas in. Tryck på stjärntangenten när som helst om du inte vill att samtalet spelas in. Hur kan jag hjälpa dig?
```
Edit the text in your [introductions](/concepts/phone#introductions). Use [guidance](/concepts/guidance) to tell the AI agent how to handle "ring mig inte igen," and a [Unitool](/concepts/unitools) to write the objection to your CRM.
## Call recording
**Criminal law.** [Brottsbalken 4 kap. 9 a §](https://www.riksdagen.se/sv/dokument-och-lagar/dokument/svensk-forfattningssamling/brottsbalk-1962700_sfs-1962-700/) only covers secret recording of conversations you don't take part in. Recording your own calls isn't a crime.
**Data protection.** You need a lawful basis, usually legitimate interest ([GDPR Art. 6(1)(f)](https://gdpr-info.eu/art-6-gdpr/)), and must tell the caller at the start ([Art. 13](https://gdpr-info.eu/art-13-gdpr/)). The star key in the botBrains introduction stops the recording and discards it, while the transcript stays. A recording only becomes biometric data when you use it to identify someone ([Art. 4(14)](https://gdpr-info.eu/art-4-gdpr/), [Art. 9](https://gdpr-info.eu/art-9-gdpr/)), which quality recording doesn't do. botBrains stores recordings and transcripts in the EU.
The Kontakta and SWEDMA rules ask you to record the offer and keep it for six months.
## Caller ID and calling hours
Swedish law sets no calling hours. The [Kontakta and SWEDMA rules](https://kontakta.se/upl/files/193291) set the industry standard:
| Rule | Limit |
| - | - |
| Weekdays | 08:00 to 21:00 |
| Weekends | 10:00 to 18:00 |
| Holidays | No calls on Christmas Eve, Easter Eve, or Midsummer Eve |
| Attempts | Two per number per day, four hours apart, and 20 per campaign in 30 days |
| Caller ID | Show a number people can call back to learn who called |
The caller sees your botBrains number, and botBrains provisions Swedish numbers on request. botBrains doesn't enforce calling hours, so plan your calls yourself.
## Sector rules
| Sector | Rule |
| - | - |
| Premium pension | Prohibited. The Social Insurance Code has banned telephone marketing and sales since 2018 ([Konsumentverket report](https://publikationer.konsumentverket.se/var-verksamhet/redovisningsrapport-20255-telefonforsaljning)). |
| Gambling | Since June 1, 2024, the consumer must accept your offer in writing after the call ([Spellagen 14 kap. 18-19 §§](https://www.riksdagen.se/sv/dokument-och-lagar/dokument/svensk-forfattningssamling/spellag-20181138_sfs-2018-1138/)). |
| Financial services | The same written acceptance rule applies under 3 kap. 9-10 §§ Distansavtalslagen. |
| Energy, telecommunications, and others | No sector law, but the written acceptance rule applies. Konsumentverket names electricity and telecommunications as problem markets. |
## Fines and enforcement
| Authority | Powers |
| - | - |
| Konsumentverket and KO (Konsumentombudsmannen) | Injunctions with penalty payments. Market disruption fees from SEK 10,000 up to 4% of annual turnover, set by the Patent and Market Court ([29-31 §§](https://www.riksdagen.se/sv/dokument-och-lagar/dokument/svensk-forfattningssamling/marknadsforingslag-2008486_sfs-2008-486/)). |
| IMY, the data protection authority | GDPR fines up to EUR 20 million or 4% of worldwide turnover ([Art. 83](https://gdpr-info.eu/art-83-gdpr/)) |
| NIX-nämnden | Industry body for complaints about NIX-Telefon breaches |
In [MD 2006:18](https://lagen.nu/dom/md/2006:18), the Market Court banned TV4 Vision from calling people who had objected, under a SEK 500,000 penalty. We found no Swedish case on AI calls.
## Sources
* [Marknadsföringslag (2008:486)](https://www.riksdagen.se/sv/dokument-och-lagar/dokument/svensk-forfattningssamling/marknadsforingslag-2008486_sfs-2008-486/), 9 §, 19 §, 21 §, 29-31 §§
* [Lag (2005:59) om distansavtal och avtal utanför affärslokaler](https://www.riksdagen.se/sv/dokument-och-lagar/dokument/svensk-forfattningssamling/lag-200559-om-distansavtal-och-avtal-utanfor_sfs-2005-59/), 2 kap. 3 a §, 3 kap. 9-10 §§
* [Spellag (2018:1138)](https://www.riksdagen.se/sv/dokument-och-lagar/dokument/svensk-forfattningssamling/spellag-20181138_sfs-2018-1138/), 14 kap. 18-19 §§
* [Brottsbalk (1962:700)](https://www.riksdagen.se/sv/dokument-och-lagar/dokument/svensk-forfattningssamling/brottsbalk-1962700_sfs-1962-700/), 4 kap. 9 a §
* [Directive 2002/58/EC (ePrivacy)](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32002L0058), Art. 13
* [GDPR](https://gdpr-info.eu/), Art. 4, 6, 7, 9, 13, 21, 83
* [NIX-Telefon rules](https://www.nixtelefon.org/regler), [for companies](https://www.nixtelefon.org/for-foretag), [about NIX-Telefon](https://www.nixtelefon.org/om-nix)
* [Kontakta and SWEDMA, Etiska regler för försäljning och marknadsföring över telefon till konsument](https://kontakta.se/upl/files/193291), 2021
* [Konsumentverket, Redovisningsrapport 2025:5 Telefonförsäljning](https://publikationer.konsumentverket.se/var-verksamhet/redovisningsrapport-20255-telefonforsaljning)
* [Government press release, July 9, 2026](https://www.regeringen.se/pressmeddelanden/2026/07/forbud-mot-telefonforsaljning-ska-utredas/) and [assignment HR2026/01525](https://www.regeringen.se/contentassets/4d7e166bffd143f781a4edeab6aa38ae/ett-starkt-konsumentskydd-vid-telefonforsaljning-hr202601525/)
* Market Court: [MD 2006:14](https://lagen.nu/dom/md/2006:14), [MD 2006:18](https://lagen.nu/dom/md/2006:18)
## Next steps
Set up your phone line, introductions, and outbound calls.
Compare consent rules for AI calls across the EU, the UK, and the US.
This documentation is built and hosted on [Mintlify](https://mintlify.com), a developer documentation platform.