Guidance on use of cookies and similar online tracking technologies

On 31 March 2026, the Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner (FDPIC) published guidance on the use of cookies and similar online tracking technologies. The guidance applies to website operators and data controllers deploying such technologies, as well as to internet users interacting with Swiss-based services. The guidance highlighted that under the Telecommunications Act and the Federal Act on Data Protection, operators must inform users of non-essential cookie use and provide ...

Official materialNational StrategyOfficial source · edoeb.admin.ch ↗

31 MAR 2026 · Other

Swiss Competition Commission monitoring AI antitrust developments

Bern, 31.03.2026 — Der wirksame Schutz des Wettbewerbs erfordert das beständige Beobachten der Entwicklungen im Bereich der künstlichen Intelligenz (KI). Bestehen Anzeichen für Behinderungsstrategien marktbeherrschender Unternehmen oder für algorithmische Absprachen, wird die WEKO diese Fälle aufgreifen.

Official materialAntitrust & CompetitionOfficial source · weko.admin.ch ↗

25 MAR 2026 · Standard / Framework

Guidelines on connected wearable devices focusing on data protection requirements

On 25 March 2026, the Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner adopted a guideline on the privacy risks and responsible use of connected wearable devices. It applies to manufacturers, digital service providers, and users processing personal data. It highlights that such devices collect sensitive data, including health and behavioural information, and may process third-party data through cameras and microphones. It requires compliance with data protection by design, transparency, c...

Official materialNational StrategyOfficial source · edoeb.admin.ch ↗

25 MAR 2026 · Other

Federal Chancellery calls for tenders for the procurement of IT services in the field of data and AI

Bern, 25.03.2026 — The Federal Chancellery is launching a tender procedure for the procurement of IT services in the field of data and artificial intelligence, worth CHF 57 million. The call for tenders has been published on the public procurement platform simap.ch.

Official materialPublic Sector & GovernanceOfficial source · star.admin.ch ↗

23 FEB 2026 · International Agreement

Data Protection Authorities adopt joint statement on AI generated imagery raising concerns on defamatory content and harm to vulnerable groups

Primary source (ico.org.uk) dated 23 February 2026 in CH. See linked source for full text.

Primary legal sourceData Privacy & ProtectionOfficial source · ico.org.uk ↗

16 FEB 2026 · Law / Act

Switzerland Federal Law on Communications Platforms and Search Engines

The Swiss Federal Council closed its consultation on the Federal Law on Communications Platforms and Search Engines, enabling research bodies and civil society organisations to apply for data access, empowering BAKOM to supervise compliance, requiring internal complaint procedures, mandating content reporting mechanisms, requiring search engine advertising labels, and requiring providers to establish a Swiss legal representative.

Primary legal sourceContent Moderation ·Data Privacy & Protection ·Consumer ProtectionOfficial source · cms.news.admin.ch ↗

03 FEB 2026 · Other

Swiss Federal Chancellery publishes federal popular initiative "For the Protection of Fundamental Rights and Democracy in the Digital Space (Internet Initiative)"

DE: Vielen Dank, dass Sie sie die Website des Bundesrechts aufgerufen haben; sie ist nur mit einem Javascript-fähigen Browser verfügbar.

Official materialOnline Safety & Child ProtectionOfficial source · fedlex.admin.ch ↗

02 DEC 2025 · International Agreement

Switzerland to ratify Council of Europe Convention

Bern, 12.2.2025 - Switzerland intends to ratify the Council of Europe Convention on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and to make the necessary amendments to Swiss law. Work will also continue on the regulation of AI in specific sectors such as healthcare and transport. The Federal Council spoke out in favour of this approach at its meeting on 12 February.

Primary legal sourceData Privacy & Protection ·Health & Life SciencesOfficial source · admin.ch ↗

26 NOV 2025 · Working Paper

Assessment of digital sovereignty of Switzerland

On 26 November 2025, the Swiss Federal Council issued the report on the digital sovereignty of Switzerland. The report was commissioned following a request from the Council of States for the Federal Council to provide a definition of digital sovereignty for the Swiss context. In the report, the Federal Council defines digital sovereignty as the state's capacity to control and act in the digital space in order to fulfil its public functions. The report evaluates current measures related to dig...

Official materialNational StrategyOfficial source · cms.news.admin.ch ↗

02 NOV 2025 · Law / Act

Paris Charter on AI signed

To achieve the potential benefits and preventing and mitigating the risks of emerging technologies for people and the planet, AI development, deployment and governance must be in the public interest. Public interest manifests differently for different communities, countries, and contexts, it requires opportunities for public participation, and it must serve equity and equality. We acknowledge that the mission and vision of artificial intelligence in the public interest builds on and is strengthened by existing definitions and academic research, public sector approaches, and civil society effor

Primary legal sourceData Privacy & ProtectionOfficial source · elysee.fr ↗

01 OCT 2025 · Law / Act

Amendment to Information Security Act including cybersecurity breach reporting obligation

On 1 October 2025, the enforcement of fines under the amended Information Security Act begins. Since 1 April 2025, operators including cloud computing providers, search engines, digital security and trust services, and data centres in Switzerland have been required to report cyber-attacks within 24 hours of discovery via the Federal Office for Cyber Security (BACS) platform. During the initial six-month period, reporting was mandatory but not subject to penalties. With the introduction of fin...

Primary legal sourceNational StrategyOfficial source · admin.ch ↗

18 SEP 2025 · International Agreement

Swiss Federal Data Protection and Information Commissione and UK Information Commissioner Memorandum of Understanding on data protection cooperation

On 18 September 2025, the Swiss Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner (FDPIC) and the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) of the United Kingdom signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Seoul for the facilitation of international cooperation in the field of data protection. The MOU establishes a framework for cooperation in areas such as the exchange of best practices, joint research projects, collaboration in international fora, and potential joint investigations into ...

Primary legal sourceNational StrategyOfficial source · edoeb.admin.ch ↗

08 SEP 2025 · Policy / Guidance

cms.news.admin.ch source on AI governance

Official source record dated 9 August 2025 for Switzerland concerning Proposed federal AI coordination office in Federal Council's priorities for 2026. See the linked cms.news.admin.ch source for the authoritative text, procedural context, and implementation details.

Official materialNational StrategyOfficial source · cms.news.admin.ch ↗

20 AUG 2025 · Law / Act

Bill on cyber resilience of digital products

On 20 August 2025, the Swiss Federal Council mandated the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS), together with the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC) and the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), to draft legislation aimed at strengthening the cyber resilience of digital products in line with Motion 24.3810 of the Security Policy Committee of the Council of States. The drafting was ass...

Primary legal sourceNational StrategyOfficial source · news.admin.ch ↗

09 AUG 2025 · Standard / Framework

Framework on secondary data use in Federal Council's priorities for 2026

Official source record dated 2025-08-09 for Switzerland concerning Framework on secondary data use in Federal Council's priorities for 2026. See the linked cms.news.admin.ch source for the authoritative text, procedural context, and implementation details.

Official materialNational StrategyOfficial source · cms.news.admin.ch ↗

09 AUG 2025 · Policy / Guidance

cms.news.admin.ch source on AI governance

Official source record dated 8 September 2025 for Switzerland concerning Federal Council announces priorities for 2026, including a proposed federal AI coordination office. See the linked cms.news.admin.ch source for the authoritative text, procedural context, and implementation details.

Official materialData Privacy & Protection ·CybersecurityOfficial source · cms.news.admin.ch ↗

05 AUG 2025 · Law / Act

Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner's guidance on applicability of data protection law to artificial intelligence

On 8 May 2025, the Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner (FDPIC) of Switzerland released guidance affirming that the current Data Protection Act (DPA), effective since 1 September 2023, is directly applicable to data processing operations involving artificial intelligence (AI). The guidance was issued following Switzerland's signing of the Council of Europe Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights in March 2025. The FDPIC noted that the DPA, formulated in a techno...

Primary legal sourceNational StrategyOfficial source · edoeb.admin.ch ↗

05 AUG 2025 · Law / Act

FDPIC releases guidance on applicability of data protection law to AI

En Suisse aussi, l’intelligence artificielle (IA) investit de plus en plus la vie économique et sociale de la population. Dans ce contexte, le PFPDT rappelle que la loi sur la protection des données en vigueur depuis le 1 er septembre 2023 est directement applicable aux traitements de données basés sur l’IA.

Primary legal sourceData Privacy & ProtectionOfficial source · edoeb.admin.ch ↗

10 JUN 2025 · Standard / Framework

Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner guidelines on data processing using cookies and similar technologies (Version 1.1)

On 6 October 2025, the Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner (FDPIC) released version 1.1 of the guidelines on data processing using cookies and similar technologies, updating the first finalised version of 22 January 2025. The revised guidelines introduce several additions and clarifications, including an expanded footnote 5, a new sentence in section 3.1.2 on personal identifiability through cookies, and a clarification in the final sentence of section 3.2.2 regarding data co...

Official materialNational StrategyOfficial source · edoeb.admin.ch ↗

06 JUN 2025 · Executive Order

Decree on the introduction of the Automatic Exchange of Information on crypto-assets with the relevant partner countries from 2026

On 6 June 2025, the Federal Council adopted the Decree on the introduction of the Automatic Exchange of Information on crypto-assets with the relevant partner countries from 2026. The Decree approves the list of 74 partner states for the international automatic exchange of information concerning cryptoassets (AEOI). The list of 74 countries includes all European Union member states, the United Kingdom, and most G20 countries, excluding the USA and Saudi Arabia. The exchange of information wil...

Primary legal sourceNational StrategyOfficial source · news.admin.ch ↗

02 JUN 2025 · Standard / Framework

Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner guidelines on reporting data security breaches

On 6 February 2025, the Swiss Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner (FDPIC) adopted guidelines outlining the requirements for reporting data security breaches. These guidelines specify the legal obligations for data controllers to notify the FDPIC of breaches that pose a likely high risk to the personality or fundamental rights of data subjects, as defined under Article 24 of the Federal Act on Data Protection (FADP). Controllers must report data security breaches to the FDPIC ...

Official materialNational StrategyOfficial source · edoeb.admin.ch ↗

06 MAY 2025 · Executive Order

Government access to data requirement in Federal Council Amended Ordinance on Surveillance of Postal and Telecommunications Correspondence

On 6 May 2025, the Swiss Federal Council closes consultation on the amended ordinance on the surveillance of postal and telecommunications correspondence. The amendment proposes measures to update information provision, network surveillance, and oversight of infrastructure providers in the internet and telecommunications sector. It sets out new obligations and classifications for telecommunications service providers (TSPs) and derived communications service providers (DSSs). TSPs with full ob...

Primary legal sourceNational StrategyOfficial source · newsd.admin.ch ↗

20 MAR 2025 · Other

Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner investigation into X's use of personal data for training AI Grok

On 20 March 2025, the Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner (FDPIC) concluded its preliminary investigation into X, formerly Twitter, concerning the utilisation of personal data from Platform X for training its artificial intelligence system, Grok. Following reports in early summer 2024 about the data processing practices, the investigation aimed to assess the transparency of these operations and the opt-out options for users. During this formal enquiry, X designated a local re...

Official materialNational StrategyOfficial source · edoeb.admin.ch ↗

20 MAR 2025 · Other

FDPIC concludes preliminary investigation into X

The FDPIC concludes his preliminary investigation into the use of personal data for training the artificial intelligence (AI) Grok. Users of Platform X can object to their public posts being used to train AI.

Official materialData Privacy & Protection ·Generative AIOfficial source · edoeb.admin.ch ↗

07 MAR 2025 · Executive Order

Federal Council Decree on Implementation of the Amendment to Federal Act on Information Security

On 7 March 2025, the Federal Council adopted the Decree on the Implementation of the Amendment to the Federal Act on Information Security. The decree enforces the reporting obligation for cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure, introduced in the 2023 amendments to the Information Security Act. The obligation takes effect on 1 April 2025, following the amendment’s adoption on 29 September 2023. The requirement applies to critical infrastructure operators, including providers of cloud computi...

Primary legal sourceNational StrategyOfficial source · admin.ch ↗

22 JAN 2025 · Other

Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner guide on data processing through cookies

On 22 January 2025, the Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner adopted the guide on data processing through cookies. The guide applies to website operators using cookies for non-essential purposes including personalisation and advertising. The guide highlights the principle of transparency, requiring operators to inform users about data collection and processing. It also requires operators to obtain explicit, voluntary, and revocable consent, particularly for high-risk data acti...

Official materialNational StrategyOfficial source · backend.edoeb.admin.ch ↗

20 DEC 2024 · Other

Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner investigation into potential data protection violations by Concevis SA

On 20 December 2024, the Swiss Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner (FDPIC) concluded its informal preliminary investigation on data protection violations into Concevis SA, initiated due to a ransomware attack in November 2023. The FDPIC determined that a formal investigation was not necessary as no serious breaches were found. However, the FDPIC highlighted the need for clearer data processing agreements, emphasising that contracts between federal offices and service provider...

Official materialNational StrategyOfficial source · edoeb.admin.ch ↗

28 OCT 2024 · Other

Global data protection authorities issue statement on data scraping, covering AI

This Concluding Statement builds on the Joint statement on data scraping and the protection of privacy (the Initial Statement), published August 24, 2023, which highlighted the following key messages:

Official materialData Privacy & Protection ·Generative AI ·CybersecurityOfficial source · priv.gc.ca ↗

14 OCT 2024 · International Agreement

Switzerland-UK Free Trade Agreement

On 14 October 2024, the United Kingdom announced the commencement of negotiations for a renewed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Switzerland. The FTA aims to update the existing trade relationship between the countries by expanding their commitments regarding trade in services, goods, intellectual property rights, investment flows, and digital trade and data protection. The current United Kingdom-Switzerland trade agreement does not cover digital trade or cross-border data transfers.

Primary legal sourceNational StrategyOfficial source · gov.uk ↗

01 JAN 2024 · Law / Act

Local content requirement in Amendment of Film Act

On 1 January 2024, the Amendment to the Federal Act on Film Production and Film Culture entered into force. The Amendment introduces a requirement for streaming platforms to reserve 30 per cent of their catalogue for European content. The obligation also applies to companies that are based abroad and target the Swiss public. However, there are exemptions for this obligation for companies that do not reach a certain minimum turnover, that only offer films sporadically, or if the obligation app...

Primary legal sourceContent ModerationOfficial source · fedlex.admin.ch ↗

01 JAN 2024 · Law / Act

Investment in local content obligation in Amendment of Film Act

On 1 January 2024, the Amendment to the Federal Act on Film Production and Film Culture entered into force. The Amendment requires streaming companies to invest 4% of their turnover in Switzerland into the production of local content. If streaming providers do not wish to invest the 4% they can alternatively pay the same amount as a levy to the Federal Office of Culture.

Primary legal sourceContent ModerationOfficial source · fedlex.admin.ch ↗

22 NOV 2023 · Working Paper

Inquiry into the possible approaches to the regulation of artificial intelligence

On 22 November 2023, the Swiss Federal Council announced an inquiry into the possible approaches to the regulation of artificial intelligence. The Council aims to leverage the benefits of AI while mitigating societal risks. In pursuit of this goal, the Federal Department of Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC) has been tasked with developing an overview of potential regulatory frameworks for artificial intelligence. This overview is expected to be completed by the end of ...

Official materialNational StrategyOfficial source · admin.ch ↗

22 NOV 2023 · National Strategy

Federal Council examining regulatory approaches to AI

Bern, 22.11.2023 - The Federal Council wants to harness the potential of AI while minimising the risks it poses to society. At its meeting on 22 November 2023, it therefore in-structed DETEC to prepare an overview of possible regulatory approaches to AI, which is expected to be available by the end of next year.

Official materialNational StrategyOfficial source · admin.ch ↗

15 SEP 2023 · Law / Act

Revision of the Copyright Act including remuneration of journalistic works by online service providers

On 15 September 2023, the Federal Council closed a consultation process for amending the Copyright Act, proposing that large online service providers should compensate media companies for using snippets of journalistic works. The consultation aims to address the current lack of remuneration for media companies and journalists when online platforms use their content. The Federal Council suggested requiring online service providers with a substantial user base to pay compensation through a coll...

Primary legal sourceContent ModerationOfficial source · admin.ch ↗

12 AUG 2023 · National Strategy

Digital Switzerland Strategy 2024

On 8 December 2023, the Swiss Federal Council adopted its annual priorities under the Digital Switzerland Strategy on the country's digital transformation. In particular, the Federal Council identified the following priorities for 2024: cybersecurity, AI regulation, and electronic interfaces (API).

Official materialNational StrategyOfficial source · admin.ch ↗

19 JAN 2023 · Law / Act

Content Moderation Regulation in Federal Law on Minor Protection in Film and Videogames

On 19 January 2023, the Federal Law on Minor Protection in Film and Videogames including content moderation regulation, entered into force with a grace period. The Federal Council will separately issue the implementation date of the law. The proposal from the committee to submit Law to referendum has not reached the required 50’000 signatures to be approved. The Law aims to protect minors from any content deemed harmful to their physical, mental, social or moral development. In particular, th...

Primary legal sourceContent ModerationOfficial source · admin.ch ↗

01 JAN 2023 · Executive Order

Cybersecurity measures in amendment to Telecommunication Ordinance

On 1 January 2023, the amendment of the Swiss Telecommunication Ordinance entered into force. In particular, the amendment requires internet service providers to increase preventive cyber security measures and establish a procedure to communicate cyber attacks to Federal authorities if these affect more than 10'000 people (30'000 in previous drafts). Moreover, 5G critical infrastructures shall comply with recognized security standards and exercise their network management operations in Switze...

Primary legal sourceNational StrategyOfficial source · admin.ch ↗

01 DEC 2022 · Law / Act

Human Genetic Testing Act (HGTA)

On 1 December 2022, the Switzerland Human Genetic Testing Act (HGTA) entered into force, repealing the HGTA from 2008. The HGTA expands the oversight to all genetic testing, including genetic data and DNA profiling. The previous Act regulated only genetic testing for medical purposes. The HGTA aims to protect individuals' privacy by preventing abuses in human genetic exams and regulating non-medical genetic examinations. In particular, the HGTA outlines security requirements for laboratories ...

Primary legal sourceNational StrategyOfficial source · fedlex.admin.ch ↗

18 JUN 2021 · Policy / Guidance

Guidance on third-country data transfers

The Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner issues a guidance on data transfers to foreign countries. It is intended to improve the assessment of the permissibility of transfers of personal data abroad and includes a flow chart on the circumstances in which a transfer to foreign countries is allowed and a list of third countries which ensure adequate level of data protection. If a country is not on this list, data exporters must carry out their own legal clarifications. If the l...

Official materialNational StrategyOfficial source · edoeb.admin.ch ↗

08 SEP 2020 · Executive Order

Rejection of adequacy decision for the USA based on Swiss-US Privacy Shield

On 8 September 2020, the Swiss Data Protection Authority issued its assessment of the Swiss-US privacy shield, concluding that it no longer offers an adequate level of user data protection. The decision was issued in view of the Court of Justice of the European Union's "Schrems II" decision invalidating the EU-US privacy shield. As a consequence of the decision, Switzerland removed the US from the list of countries with adequate data protection, to which data transfers are allowed without add...

Primary legal sourceNational StrategyOfficial source · admin.ch ↗