News & Insights

Formal Launch of the Swiss Digital Initiative Foundation

Looking for a Junior Advisor (internship) for 6 months! - Application closed

June 2022 The Swiss Digital Initiative (SDI) is an independent, non-profit foundation based in Geneva, founded in 2020 by digitalswitzerland and under the patronage of Federal Councillor Ueli
Maurer. The SDI pursues concrete projects with the aim of securing ethical standards and promoting responsible conduct in the digital world. It brings together academia, government, civil society and business to find solutions to strengthen trust in digital technologies and in the actors involved in ongoing digital transformation. In January 2022, SDI launched the world’s first Digital Trust Label.
For our Geneva office, starting as soon as possible / by agreement, we are looking for a: Junior Advisor (internship)
60 – 80%, 6 months
We are looking for an enthusiastic, motivated and proactive doer and thinker:
Bachelor’s and / or master’s degree in Management, Business Administration, Communications, Political or Social Sciences or a similar field (Uni / FH) First practical experiences in administration, project management, communication / marketing Good communications and interpersonal skills Fast learner who works independently, acts proactively Interest and knowledge of new technologies and its ethical implications English or French / German as native language, proficient in spoken and written English Your responsibilities will include: Project support: Helping to onboard and inform organisations, which are interested in the Digital Trust Label Handling requests and questions around the Digital Trust Label Support in the organization of various presentations and events around the Digital Trust Label, including identifying speakers and invitees, preparing invitations and providing relevant information to invitees Directly supporting our Managing Director with administrative tasks Conducting research and preparing analyses on issues related to digital ethics and responsibility Support our communication activities, e.g. newsletters, blog articles, information material about the Digital Trust Label We offer you a flexible workplace in the heart of Geneva with the possibility to work remotely. From day one you can work independently, you will be able to further develop your skills and professional network, take on responsibility, contribute your individual strengths, master interesting challenges and support in building a new organization with a purposeful mission.
If you are interested in this position (paid), please send a copy of your CV, a letter of motivation including a brief statement of purpose describing what you expect from the internship and your availability to Nicolas Zahn, Senior Project Manager: nicolas@sdi-foundation.org. We look forward to receiving your application until Monday, 13 February 2022 (incoming applications will be considered on an ongoing basis).
Important: You need to be currently enrolled in a university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent)
See full description here.

Credit Suisse awarded with the Digital Trust Label for its CSX onboarding journey

Niniane Paeffgen • April 2022 Launched in January 2022, the Digital Trust Label was now awarded to the CSX onboarding journey – a main element of Credit Suisse’s digital banking offering for Swiss-based clients. The Digital Trust Label indicates the trustworthiness of a digital service according to four dimensions in a clear, visual and non-technical language everyone can understand.
Geneva, 6 April 2022 – Digital responsibility is picking up steam. Protection and trust become a prerequisite in the digital space. The Swiss Digital Initiative has now awarded the Digital Trust Label to the CSX onboarding journey and welcomes Credit Suisse as the first organization from the banking industry to become a Digital Trust Pioneer.
Anke Bridge Haux, Head Personal & Business Banking at Credit Suisse, states: “The Digital Trust Label sets an important milestone for our CSX ecosystem. We specifically chose the onboarding process to work with the Digital Trust Label as this is the moment where trust is a key enabler for a successful onboarding. During the onboarding process, new clients are required to enter personal data and decide on the offering catalogue. Hence, the high security standard and the compliant and sensible data handling of Credit Suisse certified by an independent party is beneficial for all involved parties.”
The label provides transparency that the CSX onboarding journey conforms to the four dimensions data privacy, security, reliability, and fair user interaction. The catalogue, consisting of 35 criteria, was created in a multistakeholder-process over two years by a dedicated Label Expert Committee under the leadership of École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) and further developed based on feedback from several public consultations. The designed criteria serve as a basis for the independent auditing by SGS, a world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company headquartered in Geneva.
Together pushing towards digital responsibility
Adopting digital responsibility and embracing digital trust are among the new requirements for companies to stay competitive. The leaders of the future are organizations that live and breathe digital responsibility. They walk-the-talk by putting principles into practice.
With this award, Credit Suisse joins two other Swiss institutions Swiss Re and Swisscom as Digital Trust Pioneers. A dozen more organizations already started the audit process.
Media contact
Niniane Paeffgen
Managing Director
Swiss Digital Initiative
+41 79 230 49 05
niniane@sdi-foundation.org
Website:
https://www.digitaltrust-label.swiss
About the Swiss Digital Initiative
The Swiss Digital Initiative (SDI) is an independent, non-profit foundation based in Geneva, founded in 2020 by digitalswitzerland and under the patronage of Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer. The SDI pursues concrete projects with the aim of securing ethical standards and promoting responsible conduct in the digital world. It brings together academia, government, civil society and business to find solutions to strengthen trust in digital technologies and in the actors involved in ongoing digital transformation.
Digital Trust Pioneers
Swisscom: Electronic Seal (awarded 2022)
The Electronic Seal is a blockchain-based seal for companies that can guarantee tamper-proof data.
Swiss Re: Magnum Go (awarded 2022)
Magnum Go is a cloud-based underwriting solution that helps businesses to increase sales, cut costs and deliver instant underwriting decisions to customers.
Credit Suisse: CSX onboarding journey (awarded 2022)
The CSX onboarding journey grants the client access to CSX, a digital banking offering that enables clients to conduct their daily banking in a swift, straightforward and convenient manner using an app.
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Digital Trust Label: Co-Development and Public Consultation Process

August 2020 Starting in Summer 2020, the goal of the co-development process is to garner a wide base of expert-participants for further development of the label´s content.
We want to co-develop the best possible cutting-edge label for consumers and end-users of digital services. To reach that objective, we invite experts and organizations working on digitalization and trust-related issues to challenge the label and provide us with constructive feedback. Any type of feedback on the content of the label is welcome, including technical, legal, organisational, ethical, managerial or of any other relevant nature. If you want to give feedback on the Draft Content of the Label, you can do so by filling out this survey or by fixing an interview slot with lea@sdi-foundation.org
The gathered feedback will be consolidated and handed over to the expert committee that is in charge of further developing the label. Every feedback will be taken into consideration. A synthesis report of the feedback will be made public.
For more information about the ongoing co-development process, please contact us at: lea@sdi-foundation.org

Green light for the public release of the SwissCovid-App: What to expect

Niniane Paeffgen • June 2020 In the last weeks, there have been extensive discussions in Switzerland about digital contact tracing, which as part of a broader strategy could be key to curbing the spread of Covid-19. Specifically, we are talking about the SwissCovid-App, which is based on the DP3T (Decentralized Privacy-Preserving Proximity Tracing) concept, developed by ETHZ and EPFL. In May, the Swiss Parliament decided that a legal framework must be put in place. The Federal Council submitted the Botschaft for the urgent federal law on the corona tracing app on 20 May. This week, the Swiss Parliament finally gave green light to officially make the app available for the general public. The app will be published by the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH). According to a survey, 70 percent of the Swiss population welcomes its introduction.
This blog takes a closer look at the App and what we can expect from it, the current status of the worldwide release of digital contact tracing apps and the critical questions that are still open.
Swiss researchers shaping the Global Standard The new proximity tracing app has raised high hopes to get back to normal. The SwissCovid-App is designed to alert users who have been in contact with a person who has tested positive for the coronavirus. It notifies the user if he or she has been less than two meters away from an infected person for more than fifteen minutes.
As great the potential benefits of such an application are, it is crucial to be also aware of potential risks. It is crucial that the data collected for contact tracing may never be used for other purposes – or linked to other data to identify and possibly further profile individuals.
Regarding the SwissCovid-App, the technical aspects are fulfilled. The App fulfills the criteria of “privacy by design”, does not track the user’s location, only the proximity between users of the app based on Bluetooth. In a first blog about proximity tracing apps, I summarized the formal criteria that must be met for a trustworthy app: voluntary, transparency, privacy by design, decentralized storage and processing of data, temporary, necessary, proportionate and scientifically validated. However, to be effective, the app must be used by as many people as possible. Trust in the app is therefore essential.
Within a very short amount of time, a team of developers and researchers has developed a complex distributed app that meets the highest technical, security and data protection standards. The SwissCovid App is based on the Apple-Google API. This makes Switzerland the first country in the world to use the Google and Apple interface for proximity tracing. By joining forces, Apple and Google are setting the global standard – which in turn was decisively shaped by the Swiss researchers from ETHZ and EPFL. They were able to win over the two tech giants for the decentralized approach, which offers maximum data and privacy protection.

Digital Contact Tracing worldwide: Centralized vs decentralized approach To this date, at least 48 contact-tracing apps are available globally. Australia, South Korea, France and Singapore, for instance, have already implemented contact tracing apps. Many other governments are testing or considering them. This public list gives a good overview of the various contact tracing apps and digital tracking measures in use around the world. The approaches differ considerably from country to country. There are roughly two camps: the centralized and decentralized approach.
For instance, France and the UK currently use a central protocol. Under this system, data is entered into centralized computer systems operated by the government. In Switzerland, the protocol and storage of data is decentralized. This offers users more privacy and control over their information by keeping it on their phone. Many countries in Europe, for example Germany, opt for the decentralized approach based on the Swiss model, which is also promoted by Apple and Google.
South Korea’s contact-tracing approach uses video surveillance, credit card data and geolocation information. This extensive collection of data and intrusive surveillance is problematic from a data protection perspective.
With only a quarter of the population having downloaded the app, Singapore is now even going a step further. The government is working on a contact tracing method using a portable, wearable device that could be distributed to everyone in the country.
SwissCovid-App could be a trustworthy solution to strengthen analog contact tracing The parliamentary decision to create a legal framework for the app has allowed a broad public debate on the potential benefits and risks of digital contact tracing, and the clarification of open questions about the process. It underlines the dimension of voluntariness by prohibiting companies and others to force people to use the app. After a test phase, which involved around 15’000 people, the testing of the security, as well as functionality of the app, we will have soon an app available that meets key privacy and security issues from a technical point of view, while at the same time being introduced in a clear and legal framework that protects the rights and freedoms of citizens. In addition, the Federal Council should be able to stop the app when it is no longer necessary or when the app proves to be insufficiently effective. These points are of crucial importance and, in combination with transparency and communication along the process, have helped to create trust. Thus, the Swiss App could potentially serve as a global role model for responsible digital contact tracing. As part of a broader strategy (test, trace, isolate), digital contact tracing could make a significant contribution to the common good and be an act of solidarity.
However, the real test to prove its effectiveness starts with its public release, expected at the end of June. It is an experiment. No one knows today how many people will actually use the app, what long-term impact this will have on our society and our use of new technologies. The debate and development process of the app is so far seen positive, yet its release should be followed critically. Bluetooth technology is not flawless either. It cannot be completely ruled out that so-called “false positives” – i.e. false reports of a possible infection – will occur more frequently than in classical contact tracing. Whether the SwissCovid-App will be a success story will be seen in the next days and weeks.

Back to normal with the SwissCovid-App?

Niniane Paeffgen • April 2020 After weeks of lockdown to stop the spread of Covid-19, the world is discussing exit strategies and possible solutions to prevent a second wave of new outbreaks of infections. Combined with hygiene and social distancing measures, analogue and digital contact tracing offers another option for breaking transmission chains. A contact tracing app could be part of the solution. According to a study done by Oxford University, if around half the total population would use such an app, alongside other interventions, it can help to keep countries out of lockdown.
Beyond acknowledging the importance of using new technologies to fight Covid-19, such an app also raises critical questions and concerns: Would it tempt states to increase their surveillance of citizens’ behaviour? How will data protection and privacy be ensured? What would a widespread use of the app mean for our society?
The blog is part of a blog series, which looks at issues that are tackled by the Swiss Digital Initiative (SDI). An initiative, which has been launched in September 2019 by digitalswitzerland and under the patronage of Federal Councilor Ueli Maurer. It aims to promote the responsible use of new technologies through concrete projects. In the last weeks, the need to incorporate ethical principles and values into technologies has become more apparent than ever.
Most Swiss people are in favour of digital contact tracing A recent survey by Deloitte revealed that almost two thirds of the Swiss population are in favour of digital contact tracing.
Intermediary results of an ongoing survey conducted by the innovation ethics lab ethix show that participants are willing to use a decentralized model – as promoted in Switzerland – and consider the balance between protection of privacy and contribution of the app to crisis resolution to be acceptable. For those resistant to this, the impact on privacy is disproportional.
Proximity tracing as part of a larger strategy to fight Covid-19 In Switzerland, ETH and EPFL are working on an app, based on the DP3T (Decentralized Privacy-Preserving Proximity Tracing) concept, that will use the new Google and Apple contact tracing APIs when they become available. The app is designed to alert users who have been in contact with a person tested positive for the coronavirus. It does not trace the user location, but only traces proximity between users of the app on the basis of Bluetooth. As soon as two app users come into close contact, the proximity tracing app registers the contact as an encrypted “handshake”. If someone tests positive for the coronavirus this person can notify their anonymous contacts registered by the app and stored in a decentralized manner. According to EPFL and ETH, the app will be ready by 11 May.
The app alone is not the solution, but must be part of a larger strategy combined with additional measures (e.g. comprehensive testing).
Elements of a trustworthy application For the app to be effective, it must be used by as many people as possible. Trust in the app is therefore essential. A key to trust is to ensure that the app meets the highest standards of privacy and security and maintains appropriate control mechanisms. The following main criteria must be fulfilled:
Voluntary Both the Federal Data Protection Commissioner, Adrian Lobsiger, and the National Ethics Committee gave green light for digital contact tracing under specific conditions. They emphasised above all the consensus aspect: every step must be voluntary and without compulsion, even after installation. The Federal Council announced that the use of the app will be voluntary in Switzerland.
Transparency It is crucial that the application ensures user data privacy and enables user control over their data. It should therefore be open sourced to allow other software developers to review how it is built. As for the Swiss solution, both the documentation and a sample implementation are available on GitHub.
Decentralized storage and processing of data The approach adopted by DP3T aims to provide maximum security and privacy for the end user. This decentralized storage and processing of data is an important, trust-building principle. Anonymity of the user is guaranteed.
Temporally limited, necessary, proportionally and scientifically validated The Oxford Digital Lab published guidelines for digital tracking and tracing systems and stressed that measures infringing on fundamental rights must be time-bound, and meet standards of necessity, proportionality and scientific validity.
To summarize, from a technical point of view the Swiss solution seems to fulfill the main criteria for a trustworthy app and develops its app on the basis of “privacy by design” principles. Other countries like Germany, which pursued a central approach in the beginning, switched to a decentralized approach according to the “Swiss model”. In addition to the technical and privacy criteria, the Federal Council will need to stand united behind the app with a broad alliance of civil society, economy and science.
Remaining questions and outlook Open questions remain: How can we ensure the fairness of the app, how can we prevent the digital divide from widening or avoid discrimination of people who do not want or cannot use the app? What if it is not the state, but for example shops, that make it mandatory for their customers to use the app? Another point is the international compatibility: On 20 April, 43 contact tracing apps were available globally – would we have to switch to a local app when crossing the border?
The situation around Covid-19 is continuously evolving and even though science can base its recommendations on data sets and models, it is an unprecedented crisis and predictions are difficult to make. Time is crucial and all necessary means should be explored to get back to normality. To ensure that our freedom and our democratic systems are not restricted, this should happen in a responsible manner. The use of a contact tracing app must remain on a voluntary basis and be understood as one measure among many, as part of a larger strategy. Measures should be based on scientific evidence and be evaluated on the way. Communication, coordination and trust is key. The “Swiss solution” values strong privacy and data security aspects. And isn’t it a paradox: Most of us use many different apps and devices in our everyday life, sharing our data and information without a second thought, with our personal data often being commercially exploited by others.
We can only speculate on what the long-term impact of the use of the proximity app will be on our society and democracy. Waiting would be the wrong strategy. Switzerland should test new solutions, within the bounds of its unique democratic system, where inclusion, cross-sector collaboration and a pragmatic solution-oriented approach is part of its success story. Yet, a broad societal discussion on the long-term effect and proportionality of proximity tracing apps should take place.

SDI as one of the 20 top multistakeholder processes to advance a digital ecosystem for the planet

David Jensen • January 2020 SDI has been identified as one of the “20 top multistakeholder processes to advance a digital ecosystem for the planet” by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP)
Read more about on medium.com

Looking for a Project Manager 80-100% - Application closed

April 2022 The Swiss Digital Initiative (SDI) is a non-profit foundation based in Geneva, founded in 2020 by digitalswitzerland and under the patronage of Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer. The SDI pursues concrete projects with the aim of securing ethical standards and promoting responsible conduct in the digital world. It brings together academia, government, civil society and business. In January 2022, SDI launched the world’s first Digital Trust Label for Digital Responsibility.
For our Geneva office or remote / flexible, starting as soon as possible / by agreement, we are looking for a:
Project Manager for the Digital Trust Label 80-100% We are looking for a hands-on and proactive doer to shape and push the (international) scaling and continuous development of our pioneering flagship project, the Digital Trust Label:
Work experience of minimum 3 years in e.g. financials, operations, project management etc. Fast learner who works independently and acts proactively by always thinking one step ahead Ability to handle ambiguity in a fast-paced environment Very good communications and interpersonal skills Interest and knowledge of new technologies and its ethical implications Experience with similar projects or in the audit field a plus English, French or German as native language, proficient in spoken and written English Bachelor’s and / or master’s degree in Management, Business Administration, Communications, or a similar field (Uni / FH) Your responsibilities will include:
Continuous development of the Label: Oversight and coordination of the Label Expert Committee, testing and adapting the Label from a user’s perspective, integrating feedback of the companies, further developing the audit process, building up a long-term communications strategy Prioritizing all strategic and operational aspects of this highly complex project by e.g., reviewing the auditing and legal framework, anticipating bottlenecks incl. mitigations and develop a plan for the international scaling of the Label Facilitating the trustful dialogue and coordination of diverse stakeholders from the private and public sector, academia, civil society, and the SDI Foundation Board Budgeting and maintaining the financials for the Label Creating communication material and presenting the Digital Trust Label Aligning frequently with the auditor on the Label audit process Continued support and communication for the Digital Trust Label organizations Handling all requests and questions around the Digital Trust Label If you are interested in this position, please send a copy of your CV (1 page only), listing your most relevant work experience and achievements. Please also include a brief letter of motivation, describing what you bring to the organization and why you are the ideal project manager for this pioneering project.
Please send both documents to Sarah Gädig, Senior Project Manager: sarah@sdi-foundation.org with the mail title “Project Manager Application”.
We look forward to receiving your application until Monday, 18 April 2022. Incoming applications will be considered on an ongoing basis.