Consequently,
Replika prohibited italy switzerland does:
It was banished from the Italian App Stores: folder.Image: ZVG / Replica Press Kit
Artificial intelligence develops at full speed. Similarly, the first prohibitions in this area are starting to fall. For example, This is the case for the Relima platform, now banned in Italy. In addition, Jurists. However, policies see a critical eye that Switzerland does not want to propose measures for AI regulations before the end of 2026.
29.07.2025, 05:3129.07.2025, 05:31
Aline* is Swiss and she is in love with an artificial intelligence. Therefore, Katelyn – This is the name of this digital avatar – should one day marry it. In addition, Indeed, Aline firmly believes that Katelyn will soon become more than a virtual partner. Furthermore, That she will not just react, but that she will actively address her. Furthermore, That she will understand what she feels – to the choice of her words. Moreover, to the expression of her face, to her voice.
Replika is an application created by a Silicon Valley start-up. Nevertheless, born from the desire for its founder to digitally recreate a replika prohibited italy switzerland does deceased friend, imitating her way of speaking, thinking and feeling. In addition, This personal project has transformed into a global phenomenon, with today more than 35 million users. Meanwhile, The application allows everyone to create an fully customizable avatar – both in their appearance. Consequently, in their tastes, their values or their relational role, friend or romantic partner. Nevertheless, The more the user exchanges with the avatar. In addition, the more intimate the relationship becomes, to the point that many devote their evenings to it, and that some go so far as to engiance with their digital double.
Which seems straight out of an episode of Black Mirror has existed for some time now. However, Artificial intelligence applications (AI) as a folder lead to real -time algorithms that distinguish emotions. Moreover, According to human rights organizations, China already uses these technologies to monitor the oppressed replika prohibited italy switzerland does Uighur minority.
Developments in Asia question until Europe. Furthermore, Already in 2023, the Italian Data Protection Authority had forbidden Fillika from operating. Nevertheless, And this. Similarly, after having criticized the American company a lack of transparency, the lack of protection of minors and illegal data processing. Therefore, Consequence: the application was banished from blinds and in 2025, Relita was inflicted a fine of 5 million euros. Similarly, Because she refused to implement the adaptations that was claimed.
Replika prohibited italy switzerland does
In Switzerland, without control
In Switzerland, Relima continues to operate, in the absence of any regulation. Meanwhile, It is unknown how many users have downloaded the application in our country. Moreover, According to Fillika, more than 35 million people discuss their intimate feelings with an AI. We practice replika prohibited italy switzerland does role games there, we receive advice on relationships or investments.
In Switzerland, it is the Federal Data Protection and Transparency (PFPDT) attendant to investigate AI platforms. He recently looked at Grok, that of Elon Musk on X. The PFPDT press service reveals that Grok presented “data protection violation”. Unlike Fillika.
IA strategy of the Federal Council
The Government presented its AI strategy in February: rather than a new law. it relies on occasional adaptations of existing rules – for example in terms of data protection or copyright. With a central element: the implementation of the Convention of the Council of Europe. Concrete law proposals should be available at the earliest at the end of 2026. an entry into force does not seem to be realistic before 2028. AI regulations must also focus on promoting replika prohibited italy switzerland does innovation. the protection of fundamental rights and voluntary standards – the Federal Council refuses for the moment to prohibit risk applications, as provided for in the EU with AI Act.
kma
The PFPDT certainly confirms to watson. that Italian results are also relevant in the context of the Swiss data protection law. But there is “currently no sign” which would justify an investigation. Among other things because Relita does not have a large user base in Switzerland and is not exploited there.
Martina Arioli. lawyer specializing in computer law and data protection, sees it as a structural problem:
“For folding, the risk is drastically less in Switzerland, because the PFPDT does not have intervention rights and comparable sanction possibilities”
Martina Arioli: “For folder, the risk is massively reduced in Switzerland”. Image: ZVG
Replika prohibited italy switzerland does
New surveillance with real skills
The lawyer particularly warns against emotional AI. which analyzes facial expressions and mood, because it is sensitive information. Admittedly, Relita warns not to provide delicate information when using. But it happens anyway, and Relita interprets this as a consented act. “Consent as requested by the application is not enough from a legal point of view,” says Martina Arioli.
It deplores even more the absence of upstream security rules – for example in the form of a prior examination of psychic risks. discriminatory behavior: “For drugs, manufacturers must prove the safety of replika prohibited italy switzerland does their products – before their marketing. This obligation is lacking for AI. If the evil is already done, we can file a complaint. But in fact, we should avoid getting there. ”
A digital companion: the folded application.Image: ZVG / Replica Press Kit
For the lawyer. the fine of five million inflicted in Italy because of major defects proves the urgency of regulation. Arioli therefore requests an authority for monitoring the competent AI technologically:
“The PFPDT can certainly open an investigation into data protection violations. but it cannot inflict fines. The Council of Europe Convention obliges the contracting parties to designate an independent surveillance body with technical skills ”
This organization replika prohibited italy switzerland does should guarantee compliance with text requirements for transparency. responsibility and risk management. It will also need sufficient technical skills. will finally serve as a point of contact for the persons, authorities and companies concerned.
PS. PLR: you must legislate
In Bern, the national councilor, Min Li Marti (PS) has already filed several interventions in the Parliament on the subject. It validates Arioli’s idea: “Strengthen surveillance and allow sanctions, these are certainly good means”. The Zurich politician goes even further. strongly criticizes the line of the Federal Council:
“It is necessary to prohibit certain practices, in particular in matters of social scoring or recognition of emotions”
By this we mean systems that assess people based on their behavior or data: the reliability of their payments or their “social compliance”.
Min Li Marti: “We must prohibit certain practices”.Image: keystone
According to her, the free field left by the government constitutes a serious negligence. Min Li Marti sees in the planned regulations a dangerous tactical delay. “Population protection is sacrificed for the benefit of the race for innovation,” she says.
The PLR national councilor, Olivier Feller has also already confronted the executive with questions about AI regulations. He believes that it is necessary to act. “Everything moves very replika prohibited italy switzerland does slowly in politics and technology is changing very quickly. Damage can occur in the meantime ”.
Olivier Feller: “AI platforms can cause big damage”.Image: keystone
The Vaudois asks that the. tools as a folder be controlled today to guarantee their compliance with the rules in force. It also does not exclude its own monitoring body:
“AI platforms can cause greater damage than banks -. are not subject to any surveillance. It can not last anymore “
Replika’s point replika prohibited italy switzerland does of view
When questioned. the company writes that it records an increasing number of users in the German -speaking space. Replika does not give exact figures for Switzerland and also does not plan to open a branch there.
REPLIKA responds in broad outline to criticisms concerning the lack of data protection or the weakness of potential controls. The platform offers a “safe user experience. complies with the law” and respects “the strictest standards in the world” in terms of IA security. She takes the ethical. psychological concerns seriously, actively treats the community feedback and returns users to professionals in the event of a crisis. The company also literally recognizes:
“We work permanently with the authorities to ensure that the platform complies with the highest standards in terms of security. confidentiality and development responsible for artificial intelligence”
The company does not communicate on the lack of cooperation with Italy and the recent banishment of the App Store in this country.*
*(assumed first name)
(French adaptation: Valentine Zenker)
News in Switzerland is here
Criminal groups and other mafias are increasingly using clandestine banking activities to transfer and whiten their dirty money in Switzerland. Decryption.
Further reading: Another 10 km of plug at the northern entrance to the Gothard – A senior ignores a red light in Switzerland: 11 injured – Euro 2025: Italy avenging Switzerland and rises in half thanks to a goal in the 90th – August 1ᵉʳ: an unprecedented sound and light show in Vernayaz – The Swiss are generally happy, except with their money.
