Switzerland may regulate social media after all
In 2023, the Federal Council initiated efforts to regulate major internet platforms such as Google, Facebook, YouTube, and others. However, the government has repeatedly postponed a proposed bill since then. That is set to change soon, as Federal Councilor Albert Rösti has announced.
What the Digital Services Act (DSA) is intended to regulate in the EU could soon also apply to Switzerland. At the very least, a draft for so-called platform regulation should be ready. Federal Councillor Albert Rösti said this on the sidelines of a debate in the National Council, as reported by the parliamentary services. The head of the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications Uvek announced that the draft bill would return to the Federal Council "in the foreseeable future".
Three weeks ago, the Executive Board considered a corresponding bill, but then decided to postpone it indefinitely. Critics of this postponement include the organization Algorithmwatch CH. In an open letter, it called on the Federal Council to stop delaying the regulation of online platforms such as Instagram, X and Google. The "non-transparent algorithms and arbitrary rules on online platforms as well as the concentration of market and opinion power with the few technology companies behind them pose a danger - for our public debate, for the well-being and fundamental rights of individual users", warns the organization. According to its press release, 24 organizations, 1,600 people and 40 prominent first signatories, including members of all parliamentary groups, signed the letter within two weeks. Algorithmwatch CH plans to conclude the collection of signatures on May 7 with a rally on the Bundesplatz and then send the letter to the Federal Council. (René Jaun/yzu/msc/jor)
