The law on data protection embodies the fundamental right to informational self-determination enshrined in Article 13 paragraph 2 of the Federal Constitution. Its aim is to protect the privacy of individuals by defining the obligations of those who process personal data and the rights of those whose data is processed.
The Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner (FDPIC) is responsible for monitoring compliance with federal requirements in this area to ensure that the rules are applied in practice.
The data protection legislation has been completely revised in order to adapt to new technological and societal conditions and to the requirements of international law. It came into force on 1 September 2023.
Legal basis
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Federal Act on Data Protection (Data Protection Act)
(FADP, CC 235.1)
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Ordinance on Data Protection (Data Protection Ordinance)
(DPO, CC 235.11)
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Ordinance on Data Protection Certification
(DPCO, CC 235.13)
Last modification 05.12.2023
Contact
Federal Office of Justice
Legislation Projects Unit I
Bundesrain 20
CH-3003
Bern
T
+41 58 462 41 37
F
+41 58 462 78 79
Contact for journalists:
media@bj.admin.ch
The FOJ does not provide data protection advice to individuals. The Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner (FDPIC) is responsible for providing information, training and advice to federal bodies and private individuals on matters relating to data protection.