The Swiss government has taken a significant digital step by enacting the “Federal Law on the Use of Electronic Means for the Fulfillment of Government Tasks” (EMBAG), which mandates the use of open-source software (OSS) across public sectors. This law promotes transparency, security, and efficiency by requiring public bodies to disclose source codes for software they develop, embodying the “public money, public code” principle. The move is expected to enhance government digital operations, reduce IT costs, and drive innovation.
In contrast, U.S. digital policies on open source are less comprehensive, focusing on voluntary OSS adoption without mandatory requirements. This disparity underscores the Swiss government’s leadership in advancing digital transparency and efficiency through open-source initiatives.
