Information and communication technology (ICT) - predominantly computers and the internet – make communication faster. However, these opportunities are not available to all on an equitable basis. There is a danger that certain sections of society are not able to make use of the benefits of ICT. Those affected are then largely excluded from the information society.

Since 1998, the Federal Council has had a strategy in place which underpins the information society in Switzerland. The strategy states how important it is that all Swiss citizens have access to ICT and are able to use them competently.

Strategy of the Federal Council for an Information Society in Switzerland

In 2007 the ‘Swiss Digital Integration Network’ built on the basis of the Federal Council strategy and other international initiatives. The members of this network put together a joint ‘e-Inclusion’ action plan. They are responsible for this action plan and implement it.

Outcome documents for the UN World Summit on the Information Society
EU Ministerial declaration ‘ICT for an inclusive society’ (PDF)