Danish criminal records system set for replacement after deletion errors

Denmark's Central Criminal Register has deleted some information incorrectly, forcing authorities to pause the issuance of child-safety certificates and firearms permits. The National Police described the problem as "very serious."

The register contains information on charges, criminal-case decisions and other material of interest to police. So far, officials have found deletion errors in 48 cases. Some records disappeared too early, while others remained longer than they should have.

Police said their current assessment did not indicate that decisions were missing from private or public criminal records certificates. However, they acknowledged that the error may have affected the processing of child-safety certificates.

The register dates from the late 1970s and relies on older technology. That has created challenges, particularly when authorities need to make complex changes or develop the system. Police therefore expect the register to be replaced in the coming years.

Within a few days, the National Police expect to decide whether processing firearms permit and child-safety certificate cases can resume. They have also opened an investigation into whether deleted decisions that have not already been recreated can be recovered, and whether officials can determine which people were affected.

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Very serious.