Fourth DSI Strategy Lab
The topic of «disinformation» has become increasingly important in recent years. Although the extent, sponsorship and impact of disinformation campaigns are the subject of scientific controversy, the topic enjoys broad public attention and has led to various legislative measures. One example is the EU's Digital Services Act, which has been in force since February 17, 2024. The central focus is on preventing illegal or harmful online activities and the spread of disinformation.
In Switzerland, the Federal Council had tasked the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC) with drafting a consultation proposal on the regulation of communication platforms. The aim is to strengthen the rights of users in Switzerland and require greater transparency from platforms, without restricting the positive effects these platforms have on freedom of expression. The new provisions are to be modelled on the rules of the European Union's Digital Services Act.
The goal of the fourth DSI Strategy Lab was to contribute to this consultation process. As part of a preparatory series of events, particular attention was to be given to the issue of disinformation.
Scientific committee and involved persons
The Scientific Committee for the fourth DSI Strategy Lab consists of:
- Prof. Noah Bubenhofer, UZH/PhF (Linguistics)
- Prof. Thomas Friemel, UZH/PhF (Communication Science)
- PD Dr. Markus Christen, UZH/DSI (Ethics)
The following representatives of DSI Communities and partner organizations support the fourth DSI Strategy Lab 2024:
- DSI Community Communication: Sarah Ebling, Linards Udris, Sabrina Kessler
- DSI Community Cybersecurity: Melanie Knieps, Leila Cyragan
- DSI Community Democracy: Fabrizio Gilardi, Karsten Donnay
- DSI Partner ITSL: Florent Thouvenin
DSI Disinformation Month
In the fall semester 2024, the DSI held a series of events on the topic of disinformation under the title «DSI Disinformation Month». Among others, the two DSI Communities Communication and Democracy each hosted a public event. All information on the events can be found under this link.
DSI Consultation Response
Due to delays, the consultation process on the new Federal Act on Communication Platforms and Search Engines only got underway in autumn 2025. The following individuals formed the core team for the DSI/UZH consultation response:
- Abraham Bernstein (Computer Science)
- Florent Thouvenin (Law)
- Markus Christen (Ethics)
- Noah Bubenhofer (Linguistics)
- Thomas Friemel (Communication Science)
- Stephanie Volz (Law)
As part of the process, a preparatory workshop including an evening event was held on 14 January 2026 under the lead of ITSL, followed by a consultation retreat on 3 and 4 February. The retreat was used to draft the actual consultation response, which was submitted on 16 February 2026; the text (in German) can be downloaded here: