Damaging effects

Political targets
As described under the heading “Who is vulnerable?”, political targets can be extremely vulnerable to intelligence activity. A possible consequence of intelligence activity directed at political targets could be that the democratic system is undermined through influencing and pressuring influential forces, policymakers and other players in the decision making process.

 

Another damaging effect could be that Norwegian politics, subjected to undue influence, takes a turn that advances another country’s interests at the expense of Norwegian interests. In bilateral and multilateral negotiations, Norwegian interests could be harmed if another state has received information about Norway’s negotiation points, tactics and strategy. The opposite side could then control the negotiation process and Norway would risk losing out.

 

Critical infrastructure
Norway has a highly developed and well functioning infrastructure. Our critical infrastructure could be the target of intelligence activity, and if a foreign country gathers intelligence on this infrastructure, it could significantly increase Norway’s vulnerability and decrease its ability to defend itself.
 
Industry and technology
Intelligence activity directed at businesses could mean the loss of contracts and business secrets, which could in turn lead to reduced competitiveness and therefore reduced market shares. This would in turn lead to the loss of earnings and at worst, to job cuts.

 

The Armed Forces
Compromising armed forces plans, preparedness plans, military capacity or military arrangements can contribute to the weakening of Norway’s defence capability. Norwegian manufacturing industry also provides goods and services to the Armed Forces and to the critical infrastructure. Intelligence activities directed at Norwegian manufacturing industry can therefore also indirectly affect such key end users.