Data protection for private individuals in Switzerland

Art. 16 DPO

Modalities

Chapter 3: Rights of the Data SubjectSection 1: Right of Access

Statutory textStatus: 1 December 2025

1 Any person who requests information from the controller as to whether personal data relating to him or her are being processed must do so in writing. If the controller agrees, the request may also be made verbally.

2 The information shall be provided in writing or in the form in which the data is available. By agreement with the controller, the data subject may inspect his or her data on site. The information may be provided verbally if the data subject agrees.

3 Information may be requested and provided electronically.

4 The information must be given to the data subject in a comprehensible form.

5 The controller must take appropriate measures to identify the data subject. The data subject is obliged to cooperate in the identification process.

Source: Version on FedlexThis translation is not an official version. Only the German, French and Italian versions are legally binding.

In brief

You make an access request in writing; it can also be made electronically, and verbally only if the company agrees. You receive the information in a comprehensible form, in writing or in the form in which the data is available; by agreement with the company, you may also inspect the data on site. The company must take appropriate measures to identify you, and you are obliged to cooperate (Art. 25 FADP).

What does this mean for me?

Make your access request in writing or by e-mail and expect the company to check your identity. This check must be appropriate.

Example

You request access by e-mail from your telecoms provider. It asks you to confirm your identity before sending you the data.

Implements these provisions of the Federal Act on Data Protection (FADP)

  1. Art. 25 FADPRight to information

Explanation by mydatenschutz.ch in plain language – not legal advice. The statutory text is authoritative.