- Data protection concerns: The Federal Data Protection Commissioner warned against using Microsoft 365 due to possible data access outside Switzerland.
- DDPS decision and criticism: The DDPS used Microsoft 365 despite expert warnings, which led to public and political criticism.
- Security risk for the army: Using a US platform can mean security and dependency risks for military information.
Interpellation Addor (23.4363): Microsoft 365 – a potential weak point in our armed forces?
Submitted text
Since November 2023, the commanders of divisions and troop units in our armed forces have had Microsoft 365 at their disposal for planning refresher courses and for off-duty tasks.
1. is it true that the Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner warned the Federal Department of Defense, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS) in vain not to use this American product? If so, why did the DDPS ignore this warning?
2. what is the Federal Council’s position on the many criticisms that this decision has provoked, in particular those expressed in this article by Heidi.News (https://www.heidi.news/cyber/l‑armee-suisse-passe-chez-microsoft-et-une-fois-de-plus-le-pays-se-rend-vulnerable)?
3. is Microsoft 365 as a collaborative platform of the military a potential vulnerability of our army that cannot be accepted?