Price Supervisor: Mutually agreed Regulations with Swiss Internet Platforms

According to a press release from the Price Supervisor has, for the first time, concluded voluntary agreements (EVR) with major digital advertising platforms. The agreements aim to achieve greater price transparency, better cost control and savings for users.

Background

According to the Price Supervisor, advertisers have repeatedly complained in recent years about the pricing models of major digital platforms. The criticism focused in particular on complex pricing structures, limited transparency and total costs that are difficult to predict.

Following intensive negotiations, uniform, structured and more transparent marketing packages have been agreed with several platforms.

Participating platforms and arrangements

The following property platforms have signed an EVR: Homegate.ch, ImmoScout24.ch, Acheter-Louer.ch, ImmoStreet.ch, alle-immobilien.ch and home.ch, as well as the sales platform Ricardo.

At the heart of the EVR in the property sector is the new ‘Flex Offer’. This aims to simplify cost control and, in various cases, offers potential savings compared to previous models. It provides for a fixed monthly basic fee of CHF 44, as well as clearly defined listing fees per property (CHF 505 for properties for sale and CHF 370 for rental properties (excl. VAT)). This includes the services of the previous ‘Experienced’ package, but with no time limit on the duration of the listing.

Ricardo has agreed to offer discounts of 10% on certain success fees (e.g. auctions starting at CHF 1) as well as discounts for major customers with an annual turnover of CHF 100,000 or more.

The EVR must be implemented by 1 April 2026 at the latest.

Context

These cases demonstrate that Swiss price supervision also applies to internet platforms and other digital services. Regardless of the permissibility of regulatory intervention, the proceedings themselves and the associated pressure may already lead to concrete price reductions and structural adjustments. It cannot be ruled out that other internet platforms may also come under the scrutiny of the Price Supervisor in the future.

From a consumer perspective, this is likely to be welcomed initially. However, we question the extent to which such regulatory intervention is actually justified, particularly in view of the competitive dynamics fuelled by AI applications. Concerns regarding the rule of law cannot be dismissed out of hand either.

You can find the press release here (in German / Italian and French only).