Switzerland: Federal Council closes consultation on Federal Law on Communications Platforms and Search Engines including local operations requirement

On 16 February 2026, the Federal Council closed its consultation on the Federal Law on Communications Platforms and Search Engines. The Law would apply to search engine providers and user-generated content platforms whose services are used by at least 10 % of the Swiss population within a six-month period. The Law would require providers to establish a designated contact point by which users and the Federal Office of Communications (BAKOM) can quickly reach them electronically in an official language. Furthermore, providers who are not domiciled in Switzerland would need to designate a Swiss legal representative. Providers must publish this contact information, keep it current, and ensure it is easily accessible. Further, providers would be required to submit an annual transparency report to BAKOM specifying the number of average monthly Swiss users over a six-month period, employed automatic and non-automatic content moderation measures, quality assurance measures in content moderation, as well as the number of user reports of unlawful content, restrictive measures taken against user content, internal complaints procedures, and dispute resolution processes, to be updated biannually. Providers would also be obligated to conduct an annual risk assessment on systemic risks created or amplified by search engines or communications platforms, including the dissemination of unlawful content, adverse effects on users' fundamental rights, and negative consequences on public opinion formation, elections, public security and order, and public health. Providers would also be required to undergo an annual audit regarding their compliance with requirements under the Law.