Digital intermediaries and communication platforms
In the course of the digital transformation, a new communication infrastructure has emerged which includes search engines (e.g. Google), social networking platforms (e.g. Facebook), multimedia platforms (e.g. YouTube) and microblogging services (e.g. Twitter). This has expanded the possibilities of private and public communication and information searches. These new services (platforms) can enrich public debate, but they can also entail risks for public communication in Switzerland.
Digital intermediaries and communication platforms - OFCOM report
Instructed by the Federal Council, OFCOM worked with the Federal Chancellery to draw up a report on the activity of platform operators (intermediaries) in relation to public communication as well as in the formation of opinion and the formation of political policy. The report explores the question of how the behaviour of intermediaries and the use of online platforms by the public affect public communication in Switzerland and the formation of opinion among the Swiss population.
The report identifies problem areas including hate speech, false information, quasi-censorship and a lack of transparency. Various studies commissioned by OFCOM have concluded that the population is entitled to effective protection against illegal hate speech and disinformation, and that the rights of users should be better protected with respect to intermediaries. Various efforts are also being made in this direction in other countries. Against this background, a broad discussion is needed in Switzerland on the role played by intermediaries in society and on their governance.
The Federal Council has instructed DETEC to present a discussion paper by the end of 2022 on whether and how communication platforms should be regulated.
Current research projects and published papers
In spring 2020, OFCOM invited researchers to submit project outlines relating to digital disinformation and hate speech (call for papers available here in German, French and Italian: Media research.
The following projects have been selected and awarded funding; the publications to date can be found here: Individual studies
OFCOM has commissioned various studies which deal with questions relating to communication platforms and public communication in Switzerland.
Assessment of Existing Regulatory Standards and Regulatory Options Regarding Intermediaries in Switzerland (2020)
Governance of Information Intermediaries – Challenges and Solutions (2020)
Opportunities and Threats in Relation to the Impact of Tech-information Intermediaries on the Swiss Public (2020)
The Changing Public Realm: Considerations from the Perspective of Fundamental Rights (2020)
Constitutional Principles of a Possible Regulation of Public Online Debates (2020)
Functional and Dysfunctional Public in a Democracy (2020)
Artificial Intelligence, Intermediaries and the Public Sphere
Artificial Intelligence, Media and the Public Sphere
OFCOM and the Federal Chancellery participated in an interdepartmental working group under SERI guidance on the challenges associated with artificial intelligence. As part of their work there (more information available here: Artificial intelligence, they prepared a report on artificial intelligence, media and the public sphere.
Legal basis for social media
Social media platforms such as Twitter, blogs and Facebook present new legislative challenges. The Federal Council nevertheless concludes in its second report (2017) on the legal basis of social media that no further legal regulation is currently necessary (report available in German, French and Italian).