To determine their origin Switzerland now searches the cell phones of asylum seekers

From April, Switzerland will begin searching asylum seekers' cell phones, tablets and computers in order to better determine their origin. This will initially be a pilot project.

From April, a new regulation will be introduced in Switzerland that allows asylum seekers' electronic devices to be searched in order to better verify their identity and origin. This measure, which is based on a parliamentary resolution, is intended to help clarify the nationality and travel route of applicants.

However, critics warn of possible invasions of privacy. The initiative is based on a proposal by Gregor Rutz of the SVP and was passed over three years ago, reports Blick. The aim is to establish the identity of asylum seekers more precisely, as many are unable to produce official documents.

The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) emphasizes that searches are only carried out with the consent of those affected and that each case is examined for proportionality. Amnesty International expresses concerns about the protection of privacy.

Fears of negative impact on asylum procedure

The organization considers the routine evaluation of cell phone data to be unjustified. Asylum seekers who refuse to disclose their data could fear negative consequences for their procedure, as this could be seen as a breach of their duty to cooperate.

The costs for the first phase of the project are estimated at CHF 1.2 million and it is expected that six to nine full-time positions will be required. These are to be filled internally at the SEM. An evaluation is planned after three years to decide whether the project should be continued.

An earlier pilot test by the SEM showed that in some cases information was forwarded to security authorities. If security-relevant content is found in the future, it will also be forwarded to the relevant authorities, but without a targeted search for it.

The editor wrote this article with the help of AI.