Mystery access requests target ministries and agencies

A large number of unusual requests for access to public records have also reached Danish ministries and agencies, the Agency for Societal Security told DR News in a written comment. It did not say which authorities had received requests or how many were involved.

The agency said an exceptionally high number of written requests for information had come from a single sender and been sent to educational institutions, municipalities, organisations, utility companies, ministries and agencies. It said it was too early to draw conclusions, but that it was monitoring the situation and in close contact with relevant authorities, which were pursuing several lines of inquiry.

In recent days, Danish upper-secondary schools and vocational colleges, waterworks and district heating companies have also reported receiving large numbers of requests. The requests are thought to have been written using artificial intelligence and include queries about court rulings and schools’ case management systems.

Danish Industry said the requests could be pranks or a form of harassment, but that it was taking the matter seriously. The Ministry of Justice, which is responsible for the Public Access to Information Act, is preparing guidance on how the requests should be handled.

Under the act, everyone generally has the right to access documents involved in public administration’s handling of cases. These can include emails, text messages, photographs and maps.