Digital concerns at the centre of Swiss IGF debate
Biel/Bienne, 23.05.2023 - Artificial intelligence will be among the primary topics of discussion at the Swiss Internet Governance Forum (Swiss IGF) on 13 June 2023. As in previous years, the public could once again suggest topics for this eighth edition of the event. In addition to artificial intelligence, proposals included the power of platforms, disinformation, digital participation and the future of data-driven societies and economies.
The topics for discussion at this year's Swiss IGF were assembled from the proposals submitted by stakeholders concerning the current challenges posed by digitalisation and the internet. Artificial intelligence has been the focus of attention, particularly its use and impact on the quality of information. Parliamentarians will also lead a session on the regulation of AI. Other topics to be discussed include the digital governance of platforms, fundamental rights in the digital age, data policy, opinion forming in the digital space and the metaverse. The forum will be held on 13 June 2023 in a hybrid format, in Bern and online. Bernard Maissen, Director of the Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM), will open the event. 'Messages from Bern', a document bringing together the main conclusions of the discussions, will be adopted at the end of the event for the European and global IGF.
Organised with the support of OFCOM, the Swiss IGF brings together all interested parties from public administration, politics, business, science and civil society to consider practical solutions to the challenges and opportunities presented by digitalisation and the internet. The Swiss IGF is the national spin-off from the global process of the UN Internet Governance Forum, which was created to discuss the global rules that apply to the internet and the digital space.
On 12 June, the day before the Swiss IGF, young people will also have the opportunity to discuss digitalisation issues at the first Swiss Youth IGF. The participants will adopt the 'Swiss Youth IGF Messages' at the end of the day and present them at the Swiss IGF the following day.
Practical information
Participation in the Swiss IGF is open to all and free of charge. Participants are brought together on an equal footing, whether they attend in person or online. The Swiss IGF is held in German, French and English, with simultaneous interpreting available for some parts of the programme. People who would like to attend can register by 9 June at www.igf.swiss to participate on-site or online. The detailed event programme is also available on this website. Throughout the event, social media communication will also take place using the hashtag #SwissIGF23 on Twitter (@Swiss_IGF), LinkedIn (@Swiss IGF) and Facebook (@SwissIGF).
Address for enquiries
Federal Office of Communications OFCOM
Press service, +41 58 460 55 50, media@bakom.admin.ch
Publisher
Federal Office of Communications
http://www.ofcom.admin.ch
