The Swiss NGOs are concerned that the state and the private sector could use biometric face recognition devices and video cameras for a systematic 24/7 surveillance of the public space.
Keystone/Jockel Finck
Civil society groups have called for a ban on automatic face recognition devices and video surveillance technology in Switzerland.
This content was published on
1 minute
swissinfo.ch/ug
Español
es
Temen vigilancia sistemática de espacio público en Suiza
“It ignores a massive infringement of basic rights of the whole population,” a joint statement said on Thursday.
The groups said there is a real risk that the use of the surveillance technology will spread fast across Europe and that the Swiss authorities will soon approve the legal basis in the country.
Some police forces already apply the controversial face recognition tools, the NGOs claim.
“This is a worrying step towards a comprehensive and permanent system of mass surveillance. The target are not only criminals but the entire population,” said Erik Schönenberger of the Digital SocietyExternal link.
The installation of video cameras in public places continues to be a hotly debated issue. Supporters of the technology argue electronic surveillance can help ensure security.
Most Read Swiss Abroad
More
The Böögg, Switzerland’s exploding psychic snowman
In Switzerland more people are being referred to electrical therapies or psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Are there similar approaches where you live?
Living longer: What do you think about the longevity trend?
The longevity market is booming thanks in part to advances in the science of ageing. What do you think of the idea of significantly extending human lifespan?
SWISS cancels flight to Tel Aviv following missile attack near Ben Gurion airport
This content was published on
After a missile landed near Tel Aviv’s Ben-Gurion Airport, Swiss International Airlines (SWISS) cancelled its flight from Zurich to Tel Aviv on Sunday.
Swiss foreign minister rejects mandatory referendum for EU deals
This content was published on
Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis defended the government’s decision to make EU deals subject to an optional rather than a mandatory referendum.
Pro-choice and anti-abortion activists face off in Geneva
This content was published on
Anti-abortion Christian groups held a silent prayer in front of the Geneva train station on Saturday, to the whistles and shouts of pro-choice demonstrators.
Swiss army soldier seriously injured in accident on Simplon Pass
This content was published on
A member of the Swiss army was seriously injured on Friday while manoeuvring a self-propelled howitzer on the Simplon Pass.
Basel attempts world‘s largest over-60s disco before Eurovision Song Contest
This content was published on
It was billed as a world record attempt for the biggest over-60s disco of all time. But most visitors came to Basel to have fun.
Basel prepares 700 volunteers for the Eurovision Song Contest
This content was published on
Around 320 people took part in one of the two official information events for the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) in Basel on Friday.
More Swiss soldiers involved in accidents during training in Austria
This content was published on
The Swiss army has reported various accidents involving Swiss soldiers during the exercise “TRIAS 25” in Austria. Some have led to hospitalisations.
Swiss court rules vegan meat substitutes can’t use animal names
This content was published on
Vegan meat substitutes may not bear animal names such as “planted.chicken” according to a ruling by the Swiss Federal Supreme Court.
Hack on US security-camera company sparks Swiss police raid
This content was published on
Swiss authorities confirmed a police raid on a Swiss hacker who broke into a US security-camera company’s online networks.
Government increases video surveillance in asylum centres
This content was published on
Video surveillance will be expanded in federal asylum centres over the coming months. Not everyone agrees that this will improve security, however.
Parliament rejects video surveillance for slaughterhouses
This content was published on
Wednesday’s decision came in response to accusations of animal rights organisations of abuses in Swiss abattoirs. Social Democrat Senator Daniel Jositsch had presented a proposal based on an inspection of 67 slaughterhouses between January 2018 and March 2019. That review concluded that the control of stunning and bleeding was either not carried out or incorrectly…
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.