Federal Council wants more rights for users of communication platforms
Users of major communication platforms such as Google and Twitter are set to gain more rights in Switzerland. The Federal Council intends to regulate major platforms by law and has issued a draft bill for public comment.
Large communication platforms such as Google, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter are being used more and more, including to shape public opinion, the Federal Council wrote in response to Wednesday's decision. The platforms, which belong to globally active companies, are thus increasingly influencing public debate, but are hardly regulated.
Weak position of users
Users of the platforms are currently in a weak position, writes the Federal Council. If platforms delete posted content or block an account, users cannot defend themselves or can do so only insufficiently. And the systems that decide who gets to see and read what are not transparent.
The Federal Council therefore wants to strengthen the rights of users and demand more transparency from the platforms. However, it does not want to restrict the positive effects of platforms on freedom of expression. Thanks to the platforms, for example, individuals can contribute to public debates.
Contact point and legal representation
The planned provisions are to apply to operators of large communications platforms, so-called intermediaries. It is not envisaged that authorities will be able to intervene in content more than in the analog world. Where it makes sense, the provisions are to be based on the rules of the EU's Digital Services Act.
The Federal Council has defined several points: Large platforms should be required to designate a contact point and legal representation in Switzerland. Users should be able to easily report calls for hate and violence as well as depictions of violence. The platform must check the report and inform users of the result.
If content has been deleted or accounts blocked, those affected should be able to request a review of the measure from the platform. In addition, the platform operators should have to finance an independent Swiss arbitration board.
More transparency in advertising
Advertising must be identified as advertising. In the case of advertising aimed at specific groups, it must be roughly clear how it is played. According to the Federal Council, this should make it easier to understand who sees what advertising and why.
The consultation draft should be available by March 2024; the Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC) has been commissioned to prepare it. The Federal Office of Justice will also be involved in the work. (SDA)
