AI REGULATIONS IN SWITZERLAND

Switzerland has been proactive in shaping its AI landscape through strategic initiatives and frameworks. From establishing dedicated working groups to setting comprehensive guidelines, the Swiss Federal Council has taken significant steps to ensure the responsible and ethical development and use of AI. Here’s an overview of key efforts in this domain.

In 2017, as part of its “Digital Switzerland” strategy, the Swiss Federal Council established the Interdepartmental Working Group on AI. Led by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI), the group aimed to facilitate knowledge exchange and coordinate Switzerland’s positions in international AI forums. By November 2019, it provided a comprehensive overview of AI measures and recommendations for new actions. The group was dissolved in November 2020, with ongoing oversight transferred to the Swiss Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM) under the “Digital Switzerland” strategy and the 2021-2024 digital foreign policy strategy.

In 2020, the Swiss Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM) introduced guidelines to ensure Ethical and Responsible AI use within the federal administration. These guidelines prioritize human dignity and well-being, transparency, and clear liability for AI-related incidents. They also advocate for robust AI security measures and active global AI governance participation, involving all relevant stakeholders in the decision-making processes.

Launched in 2022, the “European Lighthouse on Secure and Safe AI” (ELSA) project connects top researchers from 26 leading institutions and companies across Europe. Coordinated by the European Laboratory for Learning and Intelligent Systems (ELLIS), ELSA focuses on advancing machine learning methods, particularly deep learning, essential to modern AI applications. The initiative aims to foster innovation and ensure the development of secure and reliable AI technologies.

The “Digital Switzerland” Strategy (2020-2022), overseen by the Swiss Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM), set the framework for government actions to shape digital transformation in Switzerland. It aimed to foster innovation, growth, and prosperity in the digital realm, ensure equal opportunities and participation for all, promote transparency and security, and contribute to sustainable development. Collaboration among authorities, academia, the private sector, civil society, and political entities was emphasized to achieve these goals.

These initiatives highlight Switzerland’s commitment to leveraging AI’s potential responsibly and ethically, positioning itself as a leader in AI research, application, and governance.