A survey on digitalisation released this week shows people’s greatest concern revolves around the fate of their personal data, though just as many believe new technologies hold great promise, especially in the areas of medicine, education and smart cities.
This content was published on
2 minutes
Keystone-SDA/gw
Nearly two-thirds of respondents to an inquiry by the multi-stakeholder initiative digitalswitzerlandExternal link are worried about the loss of privacy online. A majority (62%) want to see more regulation for new technologies and the Internet. There was even support among those surveyed for an independent oversight body set up by the state.
Trust in service providers varied across sectors, with nearly two-thirds saying they trust health services (hospitals, doctors, and insurance companies) with handling their personal data. By contrast, only a quarter of people felt the same way about companies like Google and Amazon.
But there was scope for optimism. Some 73% of survey participants believe digitalisation holds great promise for advances in medicine and 42% thought it could help in the prevention of accidents. The overwhelming majority see new technologies in general as an opportunity, particularly in education and the development of smart cities.
As digitalisation spells changes in the workplace, nearly half believe that at least part of their job could be automated in the future. Just as many respondents also expect digitalisation will eliminate more jobs than it will create.
The digitalswitzerland survey, dubbed “tell”, was carried out last September on the occasion of Swiss National Digital Day. The initiative collected the opinions of more than 1,000 people who took part in a series of open discussions or “tell” events. The report was supplemented by two other quantitative surveys, one of them carried out by the sotomo institute.
More
More
Swiss companies razzed for bad data management
This content was published on
The Big Brother Awards for failure to protect client data have been announced, with several prominent Swiss institutions winning the uncoveted prizes.
In Switzerland more people are being referred to electrical therapies or psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Are there similar approaches where you live?
Prince William will attend final of Women’s Euro 2025 in Basel
This content was published on
The heir to the British throne will be watching the final of the European Women's Football Championship live in the stadium on Sunday.
Reduced fine for Credit Suisse in currency cartel case
This content was published on
The Court of Justice of the European Union has reduced the fine imposed on Credit Suisse from €83.2 million to €28.9 million, while confirming its involvement in a spot foreign exchange cartel.
This content was published on
A study conducted at the University of Zurich has shown that when animals make decisions for their group, their hearts beat faster.
Swiss firm ABB to electrify one of the largest oil and gas terminals
This content was published on
ABB has won a major contract in Azerbaijan for the electrification and grid stability of one of the world's largest oil and gas terminals, Sangachal.
Swiss railways’ ‘invisible disabilities’ lanyards prove popular
This content was published on
According to the Swiss Federal Railways, there is great interest in its lanyards for travellers with invisible disabilities.
This content was published on
A prisoner who escaped on Thursday in Baden, canton Aargau, is still on the run. The 23-year-old Albanian, who was in custody for burglary, was wearing handcuffs when he escaped.
Swiss city places information boards next to Nazi memorial
This content was published on
The city of Chur in eastern Switzerland has erected four information boards next to the Nazi memorial in the Daleu cemetery.
Swiss heat: parallels drawn with 2003 ‘summer of century’
This content was published on
Looking at the current weather situation in Switzerland, the private weather service MeteoNews has drawn parallels with the hot summer of 2003.
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.
Read more
More
Swiss foreign policy prioritises digitalisation
This content was published on
The Swiss government wants to give increasing importance to sustainable development and digitalisation in its foreign policy strategy.
How should we regulate the magic of technology in the 2020s?
This content was published on
Digital technologies offer huge potential, yet serious questions must be resolved over digital governance, especially for AI, writes Jovan Kurbalija.
This content was published on
People in Switzerland have a positive view of science, with climate and energy considered the most important areas for research.
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.