The Neutral Tech manifesto
A globally trusted label for digital innovation in Switzerland.What is digital neutrality?
As a neutral state, Switzerland does not participate in armed conficts between other countries. To become a digitally neutral state, Switzerland must provide a safe haven for its citizens and organizations that wish to use digital services that are insulated from global conficts.As a neutral state, Switzerland does not participate in armed conflicts between other countries. To become a digitally neutral state, Switzerland must provide a safe haven for its citizens and organizations that wish to use digital services that are insulated from global conflicts.
Our mission
Switzerland’s neutrality cannot only be stated as a matter of intention—it must be enforced. We believe that the two fundamental requirements for digital neutrality are the establishment of a sovereign digital infrastructure and strong privacy guarantees.
To achieve this, Switzerland must welcome and promote companies that develop trustworthy and ethical solutions. In doing so, Switzerland will build a uniquely resilient technology ecosystem that attracts innovators and investors from around the world.
The Neutral Tech label
We support the creation of a Neutral Tech label, which will be awarded to Switzerland-based companies that demonstrate (1) their commitment to privacy toward their customers and partners, (2) a level of technical transparency through open-sourcing or independent audits, and (3) their commitment to having no backdoors.
In line with the establishment of the label, we call upon cantonal and federal legislators to adopt the following measures:
1. Incentivize the private sector to spend locally
Companies will be able to deduct up to 10% of their digital expenditures from their taxes, provided they spend that amount in Swiss companies certified as Neutral Tech.
2. Attract international talent and foreign investment
Foreign companies and entrepreneurs that meet the label’s criteria will be eligible to (1) quickly establish operations in Switzerland through a simplified procedure, (2) benefit from a digital residency program for their key talent, and (3) receive the Neutral Tech label and its benefits.
3. Encourage public-sector use of Neutral Tech infrastructure
Once a sufficiently robust ecosystem is established in Switzerland, existing public-sector procurement criteria will be enhanced by including additional points for Neutral Tech solutions—and other equivalent labels if and when required by international trade agreements.
We strongly believe that this initiative will stimulate the economy, strengthen Switzerland’s sovereignty, and enhance global trust in Swiss neutrality. We call upon government, business, and civil society to join our efforts to make Switzerland the global hub for ethical tech innovation. In doing so, we will ensure that Switzerland remains a safe haven for international organizations and a trusted mediator that facilitates peace in an increasingly complex multipolar world.
