Data protection for private individuals in Switzerland

Art. 4 FADP

Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner

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

Statutory textStatus: 7 July 2025

1 The Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner (FDPIC) supervises the application of the federal data protection regulations.

2 The following are exempted from supervision by the FDPIC:

  • a.

    the Federal Assembly;

  • b.

    the Federal Council;

  • c.

    the federal courts;

  • d.

    the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland in relation to processing personal data as part of criminal proceedings;

  • e.

    federal authorities in relation to processing personal data in terms of a judicial activity or proceedings for international mutual assistance in criminal matters.

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

In brief

The Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner (FDPIC) supervises whether companies and federal authorities comply with data protection law. Exceptions include Parliament, the Federal Council and the courts.

What does this mean for me?

The FDPIC is the place to turn to if a company breaks the law. However, the FDPIC does not represent your personal claims – you enforce these yourself.

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