There are some tests; ie. essay writing where students sit in a big hall for up to 4 hours and write their essay (as shown on the photo).
Here they are allowed (but not required) to write on their own computer but they are of course not allowed to use the internet to get someone external to write their essay for them.
The possibility of control is a measure to prevent that.
You are correct that I neglected to mention that computers are not required during the test. But I felt I maintained the same tone as the article.
So with this proposal, if one refuses to let the school check one's equipment, one can still attend the test/exam, but without one's equipment. Or one can be expelled.
That way you also avoid accidentally bringing along any books, old essays or other remedies you're not allowed to bring.
Note: IMO, people shouldn't cheat :)
The Danish education minister (Merete Riisager) is proposing allowing schools to check their students' private computers, as well as their social media activity (and other internet activity), to avoid cheating occurring during tests/exams.
The ministry also clarifies that the schools should not be allow to force access to this information, but can demand access to a student's computer as a prerequisite for their access to the test/exam.
Should a student refuse, the school should be able to confiscate their equipment for up to 24 hours or completely expelling the student from the school. (Note: The article isn't clear whether this means from just the exam or indefinitely.)
It's important to note this is still a proposal. That is, it is in the very early stages of becoming bill or even law. Right now it is in the hearing process.