![\"Google](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/233281295_highres.jpg\")
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An entrance to Google\u2019s headquarters in Zurich is decorated with a Swiss hiking signpost; photo taken in 2014. <\/p>\n
Keystone \/ Ennio Leanza <\/p>\n
Almost everyone in Switzerland considers the big tech companies to be purely profit-orientated, according to a survey by gfs.bern. At the same time, most people expect the state, business and users to take responsibility to ensure that digitalisation doesn\u2019t harm democracy and society.\n<\/p>\n
This content was published on <\/p>\n
March 31, 2026 – 10:30\n<\/p>\n
Big tech companies are not winning a popularity contest in Switzerland: 94% of people want more protection for children and young people on social networks; 90% have the impression that big tech companies are only interested in profit.<\/p>\n
Some 84% fear \u201ctoo much political influence from the countries of origin of these companies\u201d and 82% are concerned that Switzerland is becoming too dependent on the international big tech companies from the US and China.<\/p>\n
Overall, 21% of respondents see the big tech companies as very positive or somewhat positive; 40% have a mixed view of these companies and 38% see them as very or somewhat negative. These are the results of a representative survey conducted by gfs.bern on behalf of the Mercator Foundation Switzerland.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was surprised by how clear the tenor is: the platforms are profit-orientated and too close to politics,\u201d says Tobias Keller from gfs.bern.<\/p>\n
The survey was conducted online and by telephone in December 2025. It has a margin of error of +\/-3.2 percentage points.<\/p>\n
Comparison with EU countries<\/p>\n
The Swiss survey is an indication that the Swiss population is just as concerned as those in European Union countries.<\/p>\n
For example, a YouGov 2025 survey found that a majority of people in France (63%) and Germany (59%) believe that the \u2013 comparatively strict \u2013 EU laws on the regulation of big tech are still too lax. In Spain, 49% felt the same way \u2013 but even there, only 9% thought the laws were too strict.<\/p>\n
A user survey published in February by the Swiss technology company Proton points in a similar direction.<\/p>\n
How can digitalisation benefit democracy? Read our article comparing Estonia with Switzerland:<\/p>\n
\n More<\/p>\n
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When it comes to digital transformation, Switzerland and digital pioneer Estonia are at the opposite ends of the spectrum. What can be learnt from these two very different experiences? <\/p>\n