12.02.25: Switzerland's Approach of Regulating AI

On 12 February 2025, the Swiss Federal Council outlined its strategy for AI regulation, opting to uphold Switzerland’s sector-specific approach rather than introducing a broad, cross-sector AI law. As part of this framework, the Council will ratify the Council of Europe’s AI Convention and propose the necessary legal amendments to Parliament. General AI regulations will be limited to areas impacting fundamental rights, such as data protection. A draft law reflecting this approach is expected in 2026. The Federal Council has set out the following roadmap and corresponding measures:

• Switzerland will implement the Council of Europe’s AI Convention.

• Legislative amendments will primarily follow a sector-specific approach, with general regulations limited to areas affecting fundamental rights, such as data protection.

• Certain aspects of the AI Convention will be enforced through non-binding mechanisms, such as self-certification agreements or industry-specific solutions, ensuring flexibility for the private sector.

See the press release here: https://www.admin.ch/gov/en/start/documentation/media-releases.msg-id-104110.html Contact Lexcovery for more information.