Switzerland Confronts the Question of AI Regulation

Alors que l’Europe avance sur un cadre réglementaire de l’IA, la Suisse affirme sa position : entre prudence, innovation et gouvernance. Voici où nous en sommes en 2025.

From Reflection to Action.

In September 2024, the Swiss media outlet ICTjournal addressed a pressing issue: “The AI Regulation Boom is Here,” highlighting the ongoing discussions about the legal and ethical boundaries of AI in Switzerland. During this period, the Federal Council was examining various scenarios to develop a coherent plan, fully aware of the rapid pace of technological development and its far-reaching impacts.

Now, in April 2025, the situation has become clearer. The Federal Council is determined to approve the Council of Europe’s Convention on Artificial Intelligence, signaling a shift from analysis to practical steps.

✅ Key Points of a Controversial Decision

For Switzerland, ratifying the convention necessitates adapting national legislation to protect the fundamental rights of a democratic state and its principles regarding the development and use of artificial intelligence (AI). In other words, numerous changes will be required, such as:​

• Data protection and accountability

• Algorithmic responsibility

• Transparency

Beyond this legal integration, the Federal Council also proposes a more comprehensive framework that combines the following elements:​

• Specific sectoral regulations (health, mobility, security, etc.)

• Cross-cutting measures based on ethics

• Non-binding tools such as voluntary codes of conduct, certifications, or guidelines aimed at companies and developers

🎯 Balanced Objectives​

The Federal Council aims to establish a balance between innovation and responsibility. They seek to enhance Switzerland’s attractiveness as an innovation ecosystem while mitigating algorithmic biases, the opacity of automated decision-making, or privacy violations related to surveillance, with strong protective measures for the population against unregulated AI.

🔍 Ecosystem Reactions

Given the strategy, reactions were somewhat expected:​

• AlgorithmWatch CH described the strategy as “incomplete,” calling for more fundamental rights, sustainability, and regulations centered on democratic governance.

• economiesuisse, the country’s employers’ federation, supported a development-oriented approach, arguing that it helps contain risks without stifling innovation.

What’s Next?

In collaboration with other departments, the Federal Department of Justice is tasked with drafting a bill to integrate the convention into Swiss law by the end of 2026. Simultaneously, an action plan for additional non-binding measures will be implemented, aligning with European and international standards.

🔗 Are you working in AI regulation or development in Switzerland?

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📚 Sources / Références :

• Swiss Federal Council (admin.ch) – Artificial Intelligence: The Federal Council lays the groundwork for future regulation
  https://www.admin.ch/gov/en/start/documentation/media-releases.msg-id-104110.html
  (Official press release, February 12, 2025)​Wikipédia

• ICTjournal – AI Regulation in Full Swing
  https://www.ictjournal.ch/articles/2024-09-18/une-regulation-de-lintelligence-artificielle-en-pleine-effervescence​

• ICTjournal – The Federal Council Opts for a “Cautious” AI Regulation
  https://www.ictjournal.ch/articles/2025-03-14/le-conseil-federal-opte-pour-une-reglementation-timide-de-lia​

• economiesuisse – Good News from the Federal Council: AI Regulation Should Rely on Recognized Principles
  https://www.economiesuisse.ch/fr/articles/bonne-nouvelle-du-conseil-federal-la-reglementation-de-lia-doit-sappuyer-sur-des

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