Switzerland: Council of States adopted amended motion tasking Federal Council with drafting amendments to Copyright Act to strengthen protection of intellectual property against AI misuse (Motion 24.4596)

On 11 December 2025, the Council of States adopted the amended Motion 24.4596 after the National Council passed the Motion in its amended form on 16 September 2025. The Motion instructs the Federal Council to create the necessary legal conditions to ensure that journalistic content and other works protected under copyright law receive comprehensive protection when used by artificial intelligence providers. The Motion requires clarification in the Copyright Act (URG) that copyright holders’ consent is necessary when creative works are processed or reused for generative AI services, and that exceptions or limitations under copyright law cannot be invoked by such providers. The amended text further mandates that protection be designed without weakening Switzerland’s position in AI research, development, and commercialisation, ensuring compatibility with international frameworks. The Federal Council supports the Motion and is tasked with drafting implementation measures.