Nicole Beranek Zanon

Artificial intelligence promises efficiency and innovation, but it can also distort competition. The Competition Commission makes it clear that algorithmic pricing and data-driven market power will be scrutinised more closely in future.

Less congestion, better capacity utilisation and new business models: the Federal Council aims to reorganise transport in Switzerland through the Mobility Data Infrastructure (MODI).

Artificial intelligence is fundamentally transforming drug development – making it faster, more efficient and data-driven. However, the more powerful the systems become, the greater the regulatory challenges. New guidelines from Swissmedic, the WHO and international organisations show that without clear governance, there is a risk to patient safety and market integrity. Companies are faced with the question of how to ensure both innovation and compliance at the same time.

Cloud computing is now regarded as the backbone of the digital economy. However, as soon as critical infrastructure is affected, a key question arises: how can the benefits of the cloud be reconciled with the high demands placed on security and business continuity?

From October 2026, a paradigm shift will take place in Switzerland: a central transparency register for beneficial owners of legal entities will be created for the first time. Companies are obliged to disclose their ownership and control structures to the authorities. At the same time, advisors, in particular lawyers and notaries, will be subject to the Anti-Money Laundering Act for certain structuring activities. The reforms are primarily intended to strengthen the fight against money laundering and the financing of terrorism, but bring with them considerable new compliance obligations for the companies and advisors concerned. What does this mean in concrete terms for board members, managing directors and advisory professions? And what are the new liability and compliance risks? We categorise.

New, mandatory rules on construction defects have been in force in Switzerland since 1 January 2026. Longer notice periods, an unwaivable right to rectification and a limitation period that can no longer be shortened will strengthen the position of builders and property buyers. Companies in the construction and property sector need to review their sample contracts now, otherwise there is a risk of ineffective clauses and liability risks.

On 23 February 2026, the Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner (FDPIC), together with 60 other national data protection authorities, published a joint statement on AI-generated images and the protection of privacy. In it, the data protection authorities formulate their most important expectations and principles for all organisations that develop and use AI systems to generate content. These include, in particular, robust safeguards against misuse, transparency requirements, effective and accessible erasure mechanisms and specific child protection.

When companies fall victim to a ransomware attack, they face a difficult question: Should they pay the ransom demanded to recover encrypted data, or should they refuse, as recommended by Swiss authorities? Our analysis shows how to make legally responsible decisions, what risks exist, and how companies can weigh up the risks and legal certainty.

The Federal Administrative Court has ruled that the intelligence service’s cross-border radio and cable surveillance violates fundamental rights. Strategic mass surveillance of cross-border communications contravenes the Federal Constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights – at least in its current form. The legislature has been given five years to rectify the situation. What does this mean for businesses, media professionals and digital security in Switzerland?