Introduction to the Swiss Data Custodian

Trust in the use of sensitive data is not nearly widespread. Even though there is no shortage in tools and methods to address the digitisation of our society and industries, the acquisition and access to non-open data represent the greatest challenge. In the context of data monopolies, data regulation and general reluctance to share data, a paradigm shift is needed to regain control and sovereignty over our data. Sensitive – or restricted – data encompasses all the personal data that any Swiss resident shares in exchange for services. It also includes the process data generated by industries, health data, or data from the humanitarian sector. To unlock the data economy while reinforcing privacy and control, a new framework is needed to empower data users, to create a trusted standard in data management, to mitigate the regulations burden, and to help Switzerland maximise the benefits brought by the new digital age we live in.