Swiss media warns of threat to diversity of opinion from platforms

The planned Federal Act on Communication Platforms and Search Engines (KomPG) aims to finally make global platforms more accountable. In its statement, the Swiss Media Publishers Association welcomes the bill in principle, but sees major gaps in terms of diversity of opinion, artificial intelligence and liability.

Media diversity in Switzerland is acutely endangered by global platforms such as Google, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X. These are flooded with unverified information that is increasingly generated by AI bots and contains a high proportion of fake news. Local media companies are dependent on these platforms due to their market power and non-transparent algorithms, as well as unequal legal standards and a lack of legal enforcement options.

Same legal obligations for all market participants

With the KomPG, which is still in the consultation process until February 16, 2026, the Federal Council wants to make communication platforms and search engines accountable. Platforms should assume the same responsibility as other market participants, fulfill the same legal obligations and create comparable transparency. The Publishers Association welcomes the thrust of the bill, but sees three key problem areas that the bill must also address as a matter of urgency.

Three central problem areas

Problem 1: Algorithms influence public discourse. Platforms have control over which content should achieve a high reach - and which should not. One example: France is investigating X because the platform algorithm is influencing public discourse. And AI swarms are bringing the next level of escalation to social media, according to researchers. The demand: platforms must not harm the diversity of opinion. They must take responsibility for any damage caused and show consideration for media diversity and freedom.

Problem 2: Artificial intelligence reinforces fake news. Artificial intelligence applications further exacerbate existing problems such as fake news and hate speech. For example, statements made by AI chatbots falsely label a court reporter as a perpetrator. The demand: Artificial intelligence providers must also take responsibility. AI platforms or applications should be covered by the KomPG.

Problem 3: Lack of liability for illegal content. Platforms are not liable for illegal content and disseminate it repeatedly. An example: X has distributed images of child abuse. The demand: The platforms must be liable for illegal and demonstrably false content in their offerings. This should apply even if it originates from third parties.

The Publishers Association calls on the Federal Council and Parliament to take these points into account in the further legislative process. The detailed demands can be found in the consultation response.