Digital sovereignty and the responsibility of the state (panel)

Digital sovereignty and the responsibility of the state - this was the title of the launch event for the Swiss Data Alliance's new white paper on the topic. Roger Dubach (Directorate of International Law), Francesca Giardina (Mercator Foundation Switzerland) and Christian LauxSwiss Data Alliance) spoke on the podium.

The most important take-aways of the evening:

SOVEREIGNTY MEANS SHAPING

What goals and priorities should Switzerland strive for in the digital sector? All those involved have emphasized this positive aspect of digital sovereignty. "Reducing dependencies" as a goal falls short.

SOVEREIGNTY MEANS CONTROL

The focus on control helps to concretize measures. What do we want to have control over and who is responsible for this? In the Swiss system, the state only comes into play when something is "too big" for private individuals or the cantons.

SOVEREIGNTY IS A MATTER OF STATE

It is important to define the term so that the discussion does not get out of hand. According to the white paper, digital sovereignty is only involved if there is a connection to the digital, a connection to the territory and a connection to statehood. Everything else is everyday design.

SOVEREIGNTY IS A MATTER OF IDENTITY

Should Switzerland enable a Google-free Internet? In the discussion about the needs of the population and the feasibility of possible goals, a Swiss identity emerges that can serve as a north star for future digital development.