Data protection for private individuals in Switzerland

Art. 3 FADP

Territorial scope of application

Chapter 1: Purpose, Scope of Application and Federal Supervisory Authority

Statutory textStatus: 7 July 2025

1 This Act applies to circumstances that have an effect in Switzerland, even if they were initiated abroad.

2 For rights under private law, the Federal Act of 18 December 1987 on Private International Law applies. In addition, the provisions on the territorial scope of application of the Criminal Code are reserved.

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

In brief

The FADP applies whenever data processing has an effect in Switzerland – even if the company is based abroad.

What does this mean for me?

A foreign online service aimed at customers in Switzerland must also respect your rights under the FADP.

Example

An online shop from Germany delivers to Switzerland and stores your orders: you can request access from it under the FADP.

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