Switzerland takes a ‘technology neutral’ approach to AI regulations.

Governments around the world are rushing to develop, deploy, and control advanced artificial intelligence (AI) systems.

Last year, the European Union issued executive orders regarding the security requirements for AI, and the leaders of the United States.

Another big voice on AI policy at the international level is Switzerland, which is making steady progress in understanding its own AI at home.

The country is already at the forefront of blockchain and cryptocurrency technology, as well as having one of the world's top AI research institutes, ETH Zurich. However, Switzerland is not part of the European Union, and therefore, its citizens are not subject to the same AI laws as in neighboring countries.

So, what is the Swiss approach to controlling one of the world's most controversial technologies?

Cointelegraph spoke to Ayisha Piotti, head of Switzerland's annual AI Policy Summit, and Alexander Bruner, a consultant to AI, blockchain and Web3 companies in Switzerland, to learn more about the country's move towards AI.

Stable democracy and creative center

Switzerland has earned a reputation as a technology-driven country; It is home to the famous Crypto Valley, a global hub of blockchain technology.

Piotr describes Switzerland's stable, direct democracy, its excellent educational institutions, and its culture of inclusion and open dialogue.

“Dialogue is very important to us; we're a direct democracy. We can't just legislate; we have to have the people with us and understand it. That's ingrained in our DNA. We've said that's important for AI adoption, but it's also for us to legislate.” .

She stated that this foundation supports the integration of AI in the country, especially in the business sector.

Brunner stressed that Switzerland's AI research prowess and ETH Zurich are admired on board by figures such as Yann LeCun, the “godfather of AI” and a leader in meta-AI.

“Switzerland's research excellence has been ranked at the top by the United Nations Intellectual Property Organization for 13 consecutive years. So crypto and AI share the same commitment to innovation and research.

On tech-neutrality

Switzerland is internationally known not only for its technological advancement, but also for its independence.

Switzerland's neutral and diplomatic stance strongly influences its approach to AI management and international cooperation.

Both Piotti and Brunner have described the country's approach as “technology-neutral,” with the former saying he doesn't want to specifically regulate technology.

“We want to look at the technology in a specific use case and then fill the gap in the law. This, basically, leads you to a sector-specific approach and not a very big horizontal EU AI law. We're not targeting the technology.

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Brunner echoed this sentiment, saying the Swiss government is more interested in updating existing laws than creating a “technology-based” framework. He said that the government is currently conducting a thorough analysis of the impact of AI.

“Careful balancing of sensible regulations with rigorous research is the foundation of Switzerland's success. As the world's freest country, Switzerland offers the freedom to innovate. Creativity needs the freedom to create!”

Not in the EU, but close

The neutrality also comes at the international level, as Brunner highlighted how Switzerland is considered a “trustworthy moderator”. “We take this responsibility very seriously,” he said.

“Even though we are a small country, we want to have a big voice when it comes to international forums. We want to be actively involved in shaping policy around AI in the future.”

She added that even though they are not in the EU, the EU's AI legislation still makes it “very useful” for them, as Switzerland is at the center.

“If our businesses want to operate in the EU, we have to comply. But in general, with GDPR and other EU legislation, this Brussels result will always be accepted by parts of the world.”

Switzerland has a long and proud tradition of cooperation with international organizations with many headquarters in Geneva.

Bruner cited the example of the Council of Europe, where Switzerland chairs an AI working group made up of 46 member states, including the United States and Japan. “Cooperation is Switzerland's superpower,” he said.

“Despite our lack of size, we have an excessive voice. This is very important in a polarized global political environment.”

Switzerland's adoption of a technology-neutral and pragmatic approach to AI regulation has strengthened its position at the forefront of AI innovation, but also enabled it to exert significant influence on global AI policy.

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