Switzerland

Switzerland is renowned for its sophisticated and inclusive approach to governance. The country’s framework is built upon democratic principles that prioritise multistakeholder participation, transparency, and protection of fundamental rights. This approach also extends to the governance of the internet; at a national level, Switzerland follows these three principles when developing and implementing governance frameworks that relate to the internet; at an international level, the country is a strong promoter of Internet governance approaches that are balanced, inclusive, and respect the diverse interests of all stakeholders involved.

Switzerland ensures that various stakeholders, including government bodies, private sector entities, civil society organisations, academic institutions, and technical communities, are involved in the decision-making processes. This inclusive approach fosters diverse perspectives and solutions. Regular dialogues and consultations are held among stakeholders to address internet-related challenges, ensuring that policies are well-rounded and representative of different interests.

Switzerland promotes transparency by keeping stakeholders informed about the processes, decisions, and implementations of internet policies. Public consultations and forums are frequently organised to discuss policy proposals and their implications; the Swiss Internet Governance Forum is one example.

The country places a strong emphasis on protecting fundamental rights, including data protection and freedom of expression. Switzerland has stringent data protection laws, including the Swiss Federal Act on Data Protection (FADP), which regulates the processing of personal data and ensures privacy rights of individuals. Policies and regulations are designed to protect freedom of expression online while balancing the need to prevent misuse of the internet for harmful activities.

Initiatives are in place to ensure that all citizens, regardless of socioeconomic status, have access to digital technologies and the internet. Programmes to enhance digital literacy and provide affordable internet access are prioritised. Efforts are made to ensure that digital services are accessible to people with disabilities, ensuring inclusivity in the digital space.

Switzerland provides a supportive environment for startups and tech companies through funding, tax incentives, and a robust legal framework that encourages innovation. Investments in research and development are made to keep pace with technological advancements and to promote the development of cutting-edge digital solutions.

Chatbot about Swiss Digital and Foreign Strategies

Swiss international connectivity

Switzerland is connected to neighbouring countries such as France, Germany, Italy, and Austria through high-capacity terrestrial fibre optic cables. These cables facilitate cross-border data exchange and connect Switzerland to major European internet hubs. Switzerland is in the centre of the so-called ‘communication banana’, from Northern Italy to Amsterdam and London via Frankfurt, the main European digital hub (see: bellow).

While Switzerland itself does not have direct undersea cable landings due to its landlocked geography, it benefits from undersea cables that land in neighbouring countries. For example, France and Italy have several undersea cable landings that connect to other continents, providing indirect access to Swiss networks.