Swiss government bans production and distribution of certain psychoactive substances; Sunrise launches an unprecedented new subscription plan; and more news in our roundup on Wednesday.
Swiss government bans production and distribution of certain psychoactive substances
The Federal Department of Home Affairs “aims to prevent manufacturers from making minor alterations to the chemical structure of a prohibited substance in order to market it under a new name,” the government said on Tuesday.
“No reliable data exists regarding their effects, toxicity, potential for dependency, or interactions, but it is reasonable to assume that they pose significant health risks.”
These new substances, mostly cannabis derivatives, have been added to the existing list of over 300 similar derivatives that are already banned in Switzerland.
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Sunrise launches an unprecedented new subscription plan
Switzerland’s second-largest telecom is introducing a mobile subscription that is fully customisable, thanks to artificial intelligence.
It is the first operator in the country to launch a model that incorporates AI, allowing customers “to build their own subscription via a chat interface and modify it on a monthly basis. The offering also includes an AI assistant,” the company said.
“It is designed for customers who want the flexibility to tailor their subscription to their specific needs at any time. There is no longer a minimum contract term.”
Another unique feature is that the AI also works abroad, with no roaming charges, Sunrise pointed out.
Zurich has sufficient space for over 20,000 new housing units
Though suffering from a housing shortage for years, a study published on Tuesday by Consult AG and the real estate services firm IAZI reveals that up to 20,600 additional housing units – accommodating around 42,000 people – could still be developed on existing industrial and commercial sites throughout the canton.
These new residential buildings could be constructed on currently undeveloped portions of these sites, without the need to demolish existing structures, the study found.
Realising this untapped potential would, however, “require a relaxation of current building regulations.”
Hackers are blackmailing the federal government, threatening to sell classified data
Following a cyberattack on a software provider for the federal pension fund Publica, the perpetrators are reportedly demanding a ransom. Of particular concern is the fact that the stolen data may include information regarding undercover police officers and intelligence personnel.
According to authorities, data belonging to over 100,000 current and former federal employees could be affected. It may also include information on personnel from the Swiss Federal Intelligence Service and the Federal Office of Police (Fedpol) who operate under assumed identities, both within Switzerland and abroad.
It is “conceivable that hackers might sell stolen data to foreign states – including foreign intelligence services,” the government said.
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