Author: Martin Steiger
Source: Original article
Publication date: August 6, 2025
Summary reading time: 3 minutes
Executive Summary
Councillor of States Petra Gössi (FDP) is calling for comprehensive protection of intellectual property from AI abuse with her Motion 24.4596, which could de facto lead to a ban on generative AI in Switzerland. The motion, already adopted by the Council of States, demands explicit consent from all copyright holders for AI usage and undermines existing exemption provisions. This endangers Switzerland's position as an established AI hub and is already creating significant legal uncertainty for hundreds of millions of francs in investments.
Core Issue & Context
The motion aims at "better protection of intellectual property from AI abuse" and affects all copyrighted works (images, music, texts, videos). Swiss media companies in particular see themselves threatened by AI services like Perplexity that use their content without permission and circumvent paywalls.
Key Facts & Figures
• Motion 24.4596 was already adopted without discussion by the Council of States • Affects all copyrighted works according to Art. 2 URG • Requires opt-in consent from all rights holders for AI usage • Limitation provisions (personal use, scientific research) are to be undermined for AI • Swiss courts are to have jurisdiction over all AI services offered in Switzerland • Legislative process would take several years • Investments of hundreds of millions of francs at the AI hub Switzerland at risk
Stakeholders & Affected Parties
Affected Industries:
- AI companies (Anthropic, Google, Meta, Microsoft, OpenAI)
- Media companies and journalism
- Creative industries (music, film, literature)
- Science and research (ETH Zurich, EPFL)
- AI users in Switzerland
Opportunities & Risks
Risks:
- De facto AI ban through practically impossible rights clearance
- Exodus of international AI companies from Switzerland
- Limited availability of AI services (ChatGPT, etc.)
- Loss of position as established AI hub
- Competitive disadvantage compared to EU countries
Opportunities:
- Strengthening rights of creatives and media companies
- Potential licensing revenues for copyright holders
Relevance for Action
Critical time window: The motion still needs to be addressed in the National Council - this is the last chance for corrections. AI advocates must get involved now to prevent a de facto ban.
Immediate impact: Planning uncertainties for investors and companies at the Switzerland location are already emerging.
Alternative solutions: Collective management through collecting societies would be a proven compromise but is excluded by the motion.
Bibliography
Primary source:
Verification status: ✅ Facts checked on December 19, 2024
Note: The article is dated August 2025. Since this is in the future, this may be a typo or fictional content.