Digital Switzerland Advisory Board: Exchange on the regulation of artificial intelligence
At the Digital Switzerland advisory board meeting, participants discussed possible approaches to regulating artificial intelligence (AI). They agreed that the opportunities offered by AI should be exploited while minimizing the risks for society. Federal Councillor Albert Rösti chaired the meeting, which was also attended by Federal Chancellor Viktor Rossi.
Artificial intelligence is now permeating many areas of life and is constantly opening up new possibilities. At the same time, it is challenging society, for example when the use of AI technologies is not transparent or encourages disinformation. For politicians, this raises the question of how the legal framework for AI should be shaped: Switzerland should take advantage of the many opportunities while at the same time safeguarding the fundamental rights of its citizens.
Against this backdrop, on November 22, 2023, the Federal Council commissioned DETEC (OFCOM) and the FDFA (Europe Division) to draw up an overview of possible regulatory approaches for AI. The Federal Council has defined the development of a Swiss approach to the regulation of AI as a focus topic of the Digital Switzerland 2024 strategy. At the advisory board meeting, Federal Councillor Albert Rösti explained that a regulatory approach should be found that upholds democracy and the rule of law while promoting Switzerland's capacity for innovation and growth. It is important to maintain a dialog with all relevant stakeholder groups.
The participants from politics, business, science and society emphasized the importance of transparency and legal certainty as well as the protection of fundamental rights and economic freedom when using AI.
The overview of the possible regulation of AI should be available by the end of 2024. It includes legal, economic and European policy clarifications. Developments in the EU and the Council of Europe will also be taken into account. All federal agencies concerned will be involved in the work. The overview is intended to create the basis for the Federal Council to make decisions on any mandates for the development of a concrete regulatory proposal on AI from 2025 and to regulate responsibilities.
Digital Switzerland Advisory Board: exchange on priorities in the area of digitalization
At the Digital Switzerland advisory board meetings, members of the Federal Council and the Federal Chancellor exchange views with representatives from science, business, politics, the authorities and civil society on topics relating to the digital transformation. The meetings take place several times a year and are chaired by a member of the Federal Council or the Federal Chancellor. The Federal Council determines the focus topics of the Digital Switzerland Strategy each year. An advisory board meeting is held for each focus topic. The meetings are organized by the Federal Chancellery.
Source: Federal Office of Communications OFCOM
