Self-determined data sharing - recommendations for Swiss data policy

The following recommendations are based on a 35-page working paper (PDF) coordinated by SATW.

1. create an overarching framework for trustworthy data rooms

The federal government should create a legal framework that addresses the overarching challenges that arise when creating trustworthy data spaces in different areas of application, thereby promoting better use of personal data. A framework law for the secondary use of data could achieve this. The aforementioned code of conduct provides important aspects that should be incorporated into this. In addition, the two concepts of privacy by design and privacy by default should be taken into account when planning and designing data rooms.

 2. empower citizens to share their data in a self-determined way

In order to counteract reservations, great attention must be paid to the digital self-determination of citizens. To this end, it is important to invest in the data literacy of all stakeholders. The federal government and other stakeholders from science, business and civil society should pursue this together. Citizens need transparency about what data is collected about them and how it is used. This aspect should be enshrined in a framework law. In addition, they should be given the most effective possible access to and control over the data concerning them. Policymakers should examine whether further legislation is required or whether this can be achieved in other ways.

3. take appropriate account of the interests of the economy

In order to prevent it from becoming dependent on foreign companies in areas of national importance, Switzerland must create suitable framework conditions. To ensure that all stakeholders can actively participate in and benefit from data spaces, they must jointly define requirements for data spaces. In doing so, economic freedom should be taken into account. Compensation for expenses such as the collection of data or ensuring its quality must be taken into account. Irrespective of this, infrastructures are needed that are dependent on start-up funding from the public sector.

4. pursue a shared vision in a participatory approach

In order to create a broadly supported framework, suitable vehicles are needed that support a regular exchange of knowledge and an ongoing dialog between the various stakeholders throughout the entire process. Only if the process is realized with the participation of all interest groups can a common vision be found and pursued.

As part of the "Digital Switzerland Strategy", the federal government should initiate an ongoing discussion with the aim of establishing a data usage culture in Switzerland, as has already proven successful in Scandinavian countries. With a corresponding mandate, the Digital Self-Determination Network could achieve this in cooperation with sectoral stakeholders and other existing networks.

5. ensure international interoperability

Interoperability between different data spaces at both Swiss and international level is key and must be ensured. In this respect, it is important to follow EU initiatives such as Gaia-X . The exchange with European and other foreign interest groups must be actively pursued. This applies not only to federal offices such as OFCOM and the DP, but also to sector-specific economic players.