Excerpt from Global Compliance News Article, Published on Nov 18, 2023
Switzerland’s Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner recently emphasized the direct applicability of the Swiss Data Protection Law to AI-supported data processing. The Commissioner highlighted the law’s technology-neutral formulation, emphasizing its relevance to the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence.
Notably, the Commissioner underscored the responsibility of AI application manufacturers and providers to ensure the utmost digital self-determination for data subjects. This means being open about the goal, features, and data sources of AI-based processing, especially when it comes to intelligent language models that talk to users directly. Users hold a legal right to know if they’re engaging with a machine and how their data contributes to self-learning programs or other purposes.
While the Swiss law permits AI-supported data processing with high risks, stringent measures safeguarding potentially affected data subjects are mandated. The law strictly forbids applications that invade digital autonomy and privacy. For instance, the Swiss Data Protection Law expressly forbids real-time facial recognition and other AI-based processing that is prevalent in authoritarian regimes. These statements emphasize Switzerland’s commitment to ethical AI practices and the protection of individual rights amidst technological advancements.
To delve deeper into this topic, please read the full article on Global Compliance News.
