Complete online monitoring planned
Switzerland plans to implement comprehensive monitoring of internet traffic by individuals under suspicion. This is evident from confidential documents leaked to the WOZ. Starting August 1, all internet service providers in Switzerland must meet the technical requirements to be able to forward their customers’ internet data to the authorities in cases of suspicion.
Switzerland is planning to completely monitor the internet traffic of suspects. This is according to confidential documents leaked to the WOZ. From August 1, all Internet providers in Switzerland must meet the technical requirements to be able to forward their customers' Internet data to the authorities in the event of suspicion. According to reports, the Swiss authorities will in future be able to track all of a user's activities on the Internet, whether it be checking e-mails, making phone calls via Skype or the last order from an online store. However, surveillance is only permitted if criminal proceedings have already been initiated against the accused person.
According to the press release, "real-time monitoring of all broadband Internet connection communications" is planned, in particular to combat sexual offenses and terrorism. However, online searches would also be permitted for less serious offenses such as breach of the peace, fraud or violence and threats against public officials. The legal basis for this is the Federal Act on the Surveillance of Postal and Telecommunications Traffic (Büpf). Swiss providers now have until the end of June 2010 to fulfill the technical requirements in accordance with the specifications of the "Surveillance of Postal and Telecommunications Traffic" (Üpf) service. According to the wishes of Justice Minister Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf, the Üpf is to check the implementation of the requirements and issue certificates if they are met.
In any case, providers are very skeptical about the new regulations. A representative of a Zurich Internet provider told the WOZ that the whole thing is a "paper tiger that causes an incredible amount of work" and entails high costs. Smaller companies in particular would be at a disadvantage as the technology would have to be provided by the provider itself. Although the state has announced that it will pay a flat-rate compensation fee to providers if a customer is checked, it is uncertain how much this will be.
According to the press release, "real-time monitoring of all broadband Internet connection communications" is planned, in particular to combat sexual offenses and terrorism. However, online searches would also be permitted for less serious offenses such as breach of the peace, fraud or violence and threats against public officials. The legal basis for this is the Federal Act on the Surveillance of Postal and Telecommunications Traffic (Büpf). Swiss providers now have until the end of June 2010 to fulfill the technical requirements in accordance with the specifications of the "Surveillance of Postal and Telecommunications Traffic" (Üpf) service. According to the wishes of Justice Minister Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf, the Üpf is to check the implementation of the requirements and issue certificates if they are met.
In any case, providers are very skeptical about the new regulations. A representative of a Zurich Internet provider told the WOZ that the whole thing is a "paper tiger that causes an incredible amount of work" and entails high costs. Smaller companies in particular would be at a disadvantage as the technology would have to be provided by the provider itself. Although the state has announced that it will pay a flat-rate compensation fee to providers if a customer is checked, it is uncertain how much this will be.
