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.
Popular Stories
More
Aging society
Is Switzerland repeating England’s housing mistakes?
Train vs plane: would you take a direct train between London and Geneva?
Eurostar is planning to run direct trains from Britain to Germany and Switzerland from the early 2030s. Would you favour the train over the plane? If not, why not?
This content was published on
Visitors to Switzerland spent CHF19.6 billion ($23.9 billion) last year, a 2.2% rise compared to the previous year, the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) said on Monday.
This content was published on
Despite the current tense economic situation, Swiss consumer sentiment remains positive. The Swiss spent more money in May than the previous year, particularly on restaurant visits and leisure activities, as shown by the latest figures released by PostFinance.
This content was published on
A bear killed four sheep in the Lower Engadine region near Scuol, canton Graubünden last week. This was the first bear attack on livestock in the region in four years.
This content was published on
Experts believe that economic development in Switzerland will be weaker in 2026 than three months ago. They have also lowered their expectations for the current year.
This content was published on
Fewer people in Switzerland have a religious affiliation and the proportion who practice their religion regularly is steadily declining, a survey finds.
Study: trees have major cooling effect even in extreme heat
This content was published on
Plane trees in cities have an important cooling effect even in extreme heat, according to a new study by the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL).
EPFL launches digitised version of Battle of Murten panorama
This content was published on
To mark the anniversary of the Battle of Murten on 22 June 1476, the Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) has launched a website that offers the public an immersive experience of the huge panorama painting of the historic battle.
77th Swiss Gymnastics Festival praised for ‘positive energy’
This content was published on
The 77th Federal Gymnastics Festival drew to a close on Sunday in Lausanne, after eleven days of popular celebration and sporting performances.
This content was published on
Emergency crews contained the oil and began removing some of the pollution from the water’s surface, said the St Gallen cantonal police on Sunday.
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.