Swiss cities are becoming increasingly “smart,” efficient, and connected. But behind the promise of better services, the collection of personal data is also growing, along with the use of AI-based systems and reliance on private companies.
Smart technologies rely on the collection and analysis of large volumes of data, including personal data, which is often handled in a way that lacks transparency for the general public.
Keystone
Swiss cities aim to become “smarter”, more efficient and citizen-friendly. But they increasingly rely on personal data, loosely regulated AI technologies and private companies. Who really controls urban systems, and what safeguards exist for citizens?
This content was published on
May 21, 2026 - 09:00
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