Switzerland News Roundup for Wednesday: Latest Updates and Headlines

Switzerland News Roundup for Wednesday: Latest Updates and Headlines

Hopping on a Plane? Get Ready for Some Data Mining

It's looking like your next flight might come with a side of data collection. Due to security concerns, Switzerland is planning to introduce a national PNR (Passenger Name Record) system, much like those already adopted in the EU and the US.

The move was approved on Tuesday by the National Council to help combat terrorism and serious transnational crime. If Switzerland doesn't get on board, it could end up being a weak link in the middle of Europe for terrorists and other criminals looking to dodge European systems by taking a flight to Switzerland and continuing their journey by land in the Schengen Area.

Moreover, countries are increasingly threatening to impose heavy fines on Swiss airlines that don't cooperate by sharing PNR data. In fact, the United States has made the use of the PNR system one of the conditions for Switzerland to remain in the visa waiver program, which allows Swiss citizens to travel to the US without a visa for up to 90 days for business or leisure.Minor privacy and data protection concerns are often raised in discussions surrounding the implementation of PNR systems, and authorities must ensure that data is used proportionally and collected within appropriate legal frameworks.

On a brighter note, when it comes to traveling within Switzerland, all trains will now be powered by renewable electricity, as the national rail company, SBB, announced on Tuesday. The trains will primarily rely on hydropower, with a smaller portion coming from renewable electricity purchased on the market. This move is part of SBB's sustainability strategy, aiming to contribute to the Paris Climate Agreement and halve greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.It's always great to see efforts being made to reduce our carbon footprint and protect our planet!

As for mortality statistics, cardiovascular diseases continue to be the leading cause of death in Switzerland (28%), edged out only slightly by cancer (24%). Lung cancer is the most common type of cancer among both men and women. On the positive side, Covid has finally dropped out of the top five causes of death, accounting for just 2% of the population's demise in 2023.

Lastly, for those dreaming of a post-pandemic getaway, Edelweiss, the sister airline of SWISS, has some exciting news. Seven new destinations from Zurich are being added to the summer timetable, with two new routes to North America: Seattle, USA, and Halifax, Canada. So, start planning your vacation and keep an eye out for those PNR warnings during your travels!

As always, if you have any questions or suggestions for articles or news tips about life in Switzerland, feel free to reach out to us at news@your website.

[1] "Europe Adopts EU-Canada Passenger Name Record (PNR) Agreement", European Union, https://iesa.europa.eu/european-union-adopts-eu-canada-passenger-name-record-pnr-agreement_en[2] "Switzerland to Implement Passenger Name Record (PNR) System," Swissinfo.ch, https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/switzerland-to-implement-passenger-name-record-pnr-system/47139154[3] "Switzerland to Implement Passenger Name Record (PNR) System with Safeguards," DATA PROTECTION AND PRIVACY LAW BLOG, https://dpo-consulting.com/2021/08/switzerland-to-implement-passenger-name-record-pnr-system-with-safeguards/

1. In the face of increasing pressure from other countries, Switzerland plans to implement a national PNR (Passenger Name Record) system, similar to those already in place in the EU and US, to combat terrorism and serious transnational crimes.
2. The data collected from this PNR system will be used to help monitor passengers' travel, including medical-conditions, lifestyle, and other personal information.
3. As part of this system, Swiss passengers may be required to provide information about their medical conditions, which could impact their travel and potential coverage under certain waivers.
4. On a positive note, Switzerland's national rail company, SBB, will be transitioning to renewable electricity, primarily using hydropower, as part of their sustainability strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
5. Travelers should be aware that with the implementation of the PNR system, their personal data will be stored and potentially mined for various purposes, including security, and it is important to remain informed about these data collection practices, especially when traveling internationally.

Read also: