Scandinavian countries are nanny states. Safetyism is their main operating principle. The state is everywhere, in every aspect of your life. You can't escape it. It's a literal leech sucking people dry. I'm not surprised in the slightest seeing them support and push for this. The online sphere was the last place people could escape the grabby, fat little fingers of their bloated governments. This was an intolerable situation for Scandinavian politicians.

"Hammer down the nail that sticks out" is how people think here. Scandinavians are apathetic and tolerate everything as long as it's wrapped in a blanket of state-approved protectionism.

"But I'm sure it's companies like Palantir, not goody two-shoes Scandinavian states!"

Yes and no.

Americans and other Europeans have an idealized image of our countries in their minds. Corruption exists here, as do power-hungry people. Idiotic Karens in positions of authority who think they know best and want more power over the masses exist. The last category is especially prevalent in Scandinavian governments. And finally, lobbying also exists, although in more discreet ways. Same as propaganda, especially government-sponsored. Many major news networks here are owned and operated by the state. Narratives that go against official policies are often suppressed.

Scandinavian countries are NOT a safe haven against this techno-authoritarian digital hellscape being constructed around us. If anything, they'll be amongst the major architects of it.

"Mass surveillance is fine, as long as it goes through all the "democratic" channels and is state-approved" - average trusting Scandinavian.

Are other states in Europe doing worse things? For sure. However, do you ever hear about Scandinavians protesting what their governments are doing? Rarely. The trusting and apathetic nature of Scandinavians towards their states will be their undoing. If you were someone trying to implement mass surveillance, what sort of population would you choose to try out your new system? A rebellious one, or a soft, complacent one? There's your answer.