Switzerland: Federal Council closes consultation on Federal Law on Communications Platforms and Search Engines including user rights

On 16 February 2026, the Federal Council closes 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 and require them to set up a free internal complaint procedure allowing users to challenge decisions or restrictive measures affecting their content. Complaints must be accepted for at least six months after notification, handled promptly, and processed under qualified supervision rather than solely automated means, with users informed of the outcome. The Law would allow users to bring disputes to authorised out-of-court bodies at any time, with providers obliged to participate unless the matter is already before a Swiss court or arbitration. Procedures must generally be completed within 90 days, extendable by up to 90 days in complex cases, and the body must provide a report, but cannot impose binding settlements. Users may be charged a protective fee, which the provider reimburses if the user prevails, while providers bear all other procedural costs. The Federal Office of Communications (BAKOM) will authorise dispute resolution bodies and oversee their independence, procedures, and expertise requirements, and bodies must report annually on their activity, outcomes, and procedure durations.