Switzerland adds youth protection to its platform law, banning profiling-based ads to minors

Switzerland's Federal Council decided on 14 October 2026 to add youth-protection duties to its draft law on communication platforms and search engines, after a consultation that drew 214 responses. Very large platforms and search engines would have to analyse whether their services create or amplify risks for minors and take measures to reduce them, and could not show minors advertising based on profiling. The reporting procedure would cover all presumptively unlawful content. The bill sets no minimum age. The transport and communications department must deliver the draft to Parliament by the end of June 2027. The Mitte, SP, Greens, GLP, EVP and 22 cantons backed the plan; the FDP, SVP, EDU and the cantons of Schwyz and Thurgau opposed it on free-speech grounds.

Federal Councillor Albert Rösti said the approach is more liberal than the EU's Digital Services Act. The choice of a duty of care over an age ban sets Switzerland apart from countries moving to minimum ages. The open question is whether Parliament adds an age limit.