Bundesrat wants to regulate Google, Facebook and Twitter

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Users of major communication platforms such as Google and Twitter will be given more rights in Switzerland. The Bundesrat wants to regulate large platforms by law and has ordered a consultation draft.

Large communication platforms such as Google, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter are increasingly being used, also to form opinions, the Federal Council wrote in the decision on Wednesday. The platforms, owned by global companies, are increasingly influencing public debate, but are hardly regulated.

The Federal Council writes that users of the platforms are in a weak position today. If platforms were to remove posted content or block an account, users would not be able to defend themselves or not adequately. And the systems that determine who can see and read what are not transparent.

strengthen rights

The Federal Council therefore wants to strengthen the rights of users and demand more transparency from the platforms. However, he does not want to limit the positive effects of the platforms on freedom of expression. Thanks to the platforms, private individuals, for example, can contribute to public debates.

The planned provisions should apply to operators of major communication platforms (intermediaries). It is not the intention that authorities can intervene substantively, just as they do in the analogue world. Where applicable, the provisions should be based on the rules of the EU Digital Services Act.

The Federal Council has determined several points: Large platforms should designate a point of contact and legal representation in Switzerland. Users should be able to easily report calls for hate and violence, as well as images of violence. The platform must check the report and inform users of the result.

Check if account has been blocked

If content has been removed or accounts blocked, those affected should be able to request a review of the measure from the platform. In addition, the platform operators would have to fund an independent Swiss arbitration board.

Ads must be marked as ads. In advertising aimed at specific groups, it must be clear how this will be played out. According to the Federal Council, this should make it easier to understand who sees which ad and why.

The consultation draft should be available by March 2024; The Department of Environment, Transport, Energy and Communication (UVEK) was commissioned for this. The Federal Office of Justice will also be involved in the work. (SDA)

Source:Blick