Mental Integrity, Protection of the World of Thoughts in the Federal Constitution.
Technological progress increasingly enables access to human brain data. To preserve freedom of thought and mental health in the digital age, Switzerland must explicitly enshrine mental privacy as a fundamental right.
Problem
- Global tech corporations are developing interfaces that can directly read brainwaves. Without clear boundaries, there is a risk of commercial exploitation of our innermost thoughts, emotions, and intentions by private actors without our control.
- The mere possibility of consciousness surveillance creates a chilling effect. Citizens might hesitate to think freely if they fear their mental states could be recorded and evaluated without explicit consent.
- Uncontrolled access to neural processes by external systems can increase stress levels and undermine psychological integrity. The inviolability of the mind is a fundamental prerequisite for individual resilience.
- Neuro-interfaces blur the line between one's own will and AI algorithms. When actions can no longer be clearly attributed to the individual, human freedom of action and the concept of personal responsibility are shaken.
- Since neural interventions during brain development permanently shape personality, children are particularly vulnerable. Without strict regulation, irreversible manipulation of the next generation threatens, even before they have been able to stably develop their own identity.
Solution
- The Federal Constitution is supplemented by the right to mental privacy. Any collection, storage, or analysis of brain data is absolutely prohibited without the prior, specific, and revocable consent of the person at any time.
- The processing of brain data may only take place for medical purposes or under the strictest ethical conditions. Covert analysis for advertising purposes or for creating personality profiles is legally prohibited.
- It is established that no one may be disadvantaged due to refusal to disclose brain data. Access to the labor market or services must not be made dependent on the disclosure of neurobiological information.
- Companies must prove before market entry that their neurotech products do not promote discrimination and protect mental integrity. Such testing processes ensure that technology serves human rights from the outset.
- Switzerland should promote global monitoring standards to prevent “ethics dumping.” As a neurotech location, we need cross-border supervision that secures ethical minimum standards worldwide and consistently prevents the misuse of neural data.
Benefit
- Protection of the last private retreat of humans, their world of thoughts.
- Protection of citizens from subtle influence by algorithms and artificial intelligence.
- Preservation of free, unadulterated opinion formation as the foundation of our direct democracy.
- Positioning Switzerland as a world-leading safe haven for ethical neurotechnology and digital data protection.
- Prevention of psychological stress that can arise from digital surveillance and technological intrusiveness.
Public support
Total votes: 13
Breakdown: FullyOnBoard: 4, SoundsGood: 3, NothingAgainstIt: 3, NoChance: 2, NeedForDiscussion: 1
Discussion
- Dario Miglioretto (2026-02-15): Since the alleged problem-causing products are lifestyle products, they can easily be dispensed with => problem solved or avoided. It is clear that in the future our communication devices (today's smartphones) will also measure brain waves and much more. But this can also be prevented by avoiding these tech gadgets and wearables. Regulation and bans will not slow down development and the (data/control) greed. Only abstaining from the products ensures personal responsibility and freedom. Of course, then no e-ID and swiyu wallet can be used anymore, which may not be the intention of the government and parliament or the lobbying actors. For comprehensive state services and rights even without electronic means, we must fight in other ways.