Switzerland’s Expanding Surveillance: From Hospitals to Public Spaces
In recent months, Switzerland has witnessed a significant expansion of surveillance measures, sparking heated debates about privacy and civil liberties. A notable example is the University Hospital Zurich (USZ), which since summer has been using AI-powered video surveillance to monitor confused and fall-prone patients. While the hospital argues this enhances patient safety, data protection advocates are outraged, calling it an invasion of privacy. The Swiss data protection commissioner has criticized the lack of effective oversight and the absence of adequate legal remedies for patients to challenge the surveillance.
Beyond hospitals, the country is seeing a broader trend of increased surveillance, particularly in law enforcement. New police laws in Zurich and Zug have tightened regulations, enabling broader surveillance powers. Critics argue that such measures place citizens under general suspicion, undermining democratic principles. According to a recent smartvote survey among candidates for federal elections, around 80% support a ban on automatic facial recognition in public spaces, reflecting growing public concern over mass surveillance technologies.
The rise in surveillance is also evident in telecommunications. In 2025, the number of telecommunications surveillance measures in Switzerland increased by approximately 40%, driven largely by a surge in antenna searches (cell-site simulators). While other measures like real-time monitoring saw slower growth, the overall trend is unmistakable. Amnesty International has sharply criticized these practices, particularly cable surveillance and data retention, labeling them as forms of suspicionless mass surveillance that violate fundamental rights.
As Switzerland grapples with these developments, the tension between security and privacy becomes increasingly pronounced. While proponents argue that enhanced surveillance is necessary to combat crime and terrorism, opponents warn of a slippery slope toward a surveillance state. The debate is far from over, and the decisions made in the coming years will shape the balance between state power and individual freedoms in Switzerland.
Shimanta Das 
