Can Switzerland Steer a Safe Course to AI Innovation?
Switzerland’s long-awaited strategy for artificial intelligence (AI) focuses on promoting business while postponing regulations aimed at shielding the public from potential risks associated with the technology.
This strategy typifies Switzerland’s light-touch regulatory approach, similar to its practices in other sectors like commodities trading. The government has committed to a broad set of principles drawn up by the Council of Europe, yet it has not opted for the stringent regulations enacted by the European Union last year.
The Shift in Global Sentiment
This announcement from Switzerland has been enthusiastically received by business associations but has raised concerns among civil society groups regarding issues of privacy, sustainability, and the increasing power of corporations. The recent trend prioritizing safety, exemplified by the 2024 European Union AI Act, is being overshadowed by a global scramble for AI dominance, primarily driven by the United States.
Late to the Game
Switzerland’s official AI strategy has been released later than many other advanced economies, as it seeks to balance the conflicting views from the EU and US. The government aims to regulate AI in a manner that leverages its potential to enhance Switzerland’s business and innovation landscape while minimizing societal risks.
Legal Foundations and Measures
The Council of Europe AI Convention seeks to defend democracy, the rule of law, and human rights against abuses of AI technology. This convention is more targeted towards public sector projects and offers signatories significant latitude for legal implementation. Proposed law changes will be presented to the Swiss parliament by the end of 2026, with additional time required for amending existing laws, including data protection legislation.
In tandem with these legal frameworks, the Swiss government plans to implement “non-legally binding measures” for private companies, which may include self-disclosure agreements or industry-specific solutions.
Risk Levels and Self-Regulation
AI has evolved from merely analyzing large datasets to making independent conclusions that can both fascinate and alarm society. The technology has far-reaching implications across various sectors, including healthcare, law enforcement, and automated transport.
In contrast to the EU’s structured approach to AI risks, the US has adopted a more hands-off policy since the administration of Donald Trump. This sentiment was echoed by US Vice President JD Vance, who emphasized the need for a regulatory regime that encourages the growth of AI technology rather than stifling it.
Concerns from Civil Society
While some in the Swiss AI sector welcome this balanced approach, civil society groups like AlgorithmWatch consider the strategy to be “a step in the right direction” but lacking in foresight. They urge the government to act promptly and decisively to address sustainability issues and protect individual rights in the face of growing corporate dominance in the AI sector.
Conclusion
The Swiss government has positioned itself to outline broad strokes for AI policy now, with plans to fill in the details later. By ratifying the Council of Europe AI Convention, Switzerland aims to avoid being sidelined in terms of trustworthiness in the international arena. However, the effectiveness of this approach relies on how closely these measures align with the EU AI Act and whether they provide robust protections for society while fostering innovation.
