Growing concerns around the impact of social media on young users are driving public demand for stronger regulations in Switzerland, as global scrutiny of large technology platforms continues to increase.
A recent survey shows that a large majority of people in Switzerland support stricter protections for children and teenagers online. The study found that 94% of respondents believe minors should be better protected from the harmful effects of social media. Additionally, 78% said that major technology companies hold too much influence over public opinion.
This development comes shortly after a jury in Los Angeles found Meta and Google negligent for designing platforms that are harmful to young users. The verdict is expected to influence similar legal cases in the future.
Swiss Interior Minister Elisabeth Baume-Schneider has indicated that she is open to introducing a ban on social media use for minors. The government is currently working on new legislation to regulate major online platforms and improve transparency.
The survey was conducted by GfS Bern for a foundation and included responses from around 1,000 residents aged 16 and above. It was carried out between December 1 and December 12, with a margin of error of ±3.2 percentage points.
The findings were published in a newspaper shortly after neighbouring Austria announced plans to pursue a ban on social media use for children under 14, reflecting a broader regional trend toward tighter regulation.
The results highlight rising public concern about digital safety and the influence of social media, especially on younger audiences.
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