Source: http://docplayer.net/6545173-235-1-federal-act-on-data-protection-fadp-aim-scope-and-definitions.html
Timestamp: 2018-01-17 13:19:05
Document Index: 268292155

Matched Legal Cases: ['Art. 1', 'Art. 2', 'Art. 3', 'Art. 4', 'Art. 5', 'Art. 26', 'Art. 7', 'Art. 7', 'Art. 8', 'Art. 10', 'Art. 10', 'Art. 11', 'Art. 12', 'Art. 13', 'Art. 16', 'Art. 17', 'Art. 17', 'Art. 18', 'Art. 18', 'Art. 18', 'Art. 19', 'Art. 20', 'Art. 22', 'Art. 23', 'Art. 25', 'Art. 31', 'Art. 25', 'Art. 26', 'Art. 26', 'Art. 27', 'Art. 28', 'Art. 29', 'Art. 11', 'Art. 30', 'Art. 31', 'Art. 34', 'Art. 333', 'Art. 29', 'Art. 35', 'Art. 36', 'Art. 333', 'Art. 333', 'Art. 25', 'Art. 37', 'Art. 38', 'Art. 38', 'Art. 39']

Federal Act on Data Protection (FADP) Aim, Scope and Definitions - PDF
Federal Act on Data Protection (FADP) Aim, Scope and Definitions
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1 English is not an official language of the Swiss Confederation. This translation is provided for information purposes only and has no legal force. Federal Act on Data Protection (FADP) of 19 June 1992 (Status as of 1 January 2014) The Federal Assembly of the Swiss Confederation, based on Articles 95, 122 and 173 paragraph 2 of the Federal Constitution 1, 2 and having regard to the Federal Council Dispatch dated 23 March , decrees: Section 1: Aim, Scope and Definitions Art. 1 Aim This Act aims to protect the privacy and the fundamental rights of persons when their data is processed. Art. 2 Scope 1 This Act applies to the processing of data pertaining to natural persons and legal persons by: a. private persons; b. federal bodies. 2 It does not apply to: a. personal data that is processed by a natural person exclusively for personal use and which is not disclosed to outsiders; b. deliberations of the Federal Assembly and in parliamentary committees; AS SR Amended by No. 3 of the Federal Act of 19 March 2010 on the Implementation of Framework Decision 2008/977/JHA on the protection of personal data processed in the framework of police and judicial cooperation in criminal matters, in force since 1 Dec (AS ; BBl ). 3 BBl 1988 II 413 1
2 235.1 Data Protection c. pending civil proceedings, criminal proceedings, international mutual assistance proceedings and proceedings under constitutional or under administrative law, with the exception of administrative proceedings of first instance; d. public registers based on private law; e. personal data processed by the International Committee of the Red Cross. Art. 3 Definitions The following definitions apply: a. personal data (data): all information relating to an identified or identifiable person; b. data subjects: natural or legal persons whose data is processed; c. sensitive personal data: data on: 1. religious, ideological, political or trade union-related views or activities, 2. health, the intimate sphere or the racial origin, 3. social security measures, 4. administrative or criminal proceedings and sanctions; d. personality profile: a collection of data that permits an assessment of essential characteristics of the personality of a natural person; e. processing: any operation with personal data, irrespective of the means applied and the procedure, and in particular the collection, storage, use, revision, disclosure, archiving or destruction of data; f. disclosure: making personal data accessible, for example by permitting access, transmission or publication; g. data file: any set of personal data that is structured in such a way that the data is accessible by data subject; h. federal bodies: federal authorities and services as well as persons who are entrusted with federal public tasks; i. 4 controller of the data file: private persons or federal bodies that decide on the purpose and content of a data file; j. 5 formal enactment: 1. federal acts, 2. decrees of international organisations that are binding on Switzerland and international treaties containing legal rules that are approved by the Federal Assembly; 4 Amended by No. I of the Federal Act of 24 March 2006, in force since 1 Jan Amended by No. I of the Federal Act of 24 March 2006, in force since 1 Jan
3 Federal Act k. 6 Section 2: General Data Protection Provisions Art. 4 Principles 1 Personal data may only be processed lawfully. 7 2 Its processing must be carried out in good faith and must be proportionate. 3 Personal data may only be processed for the purpose indicated at the time of collection, that is evident from the circumstances, or that is provided for by law. 4 The collection of personal data and in particular the purpose of its processing must be evident to the data subject. 8 5 If the consent of the data subject is required for the processing of personal data, such consent is valid only if given voluntarily on the provision of adequate information. Additionally, consent must be given expressly in the case of processing of sensitive personal data or personality profiles. 9 Art. 5 Correctness of the data 1 Anyone who processes personal data must make certain that it is correct. He must take all reasonable measures to ensure that data that is incorrect or incomplete in view of the purpose of its collection is either corrected or destroyed Any data subject may request that incorrect data be corrected. Art Cross-border disclosure 1 Personal data may not be disclosed abroad if the privacy of the data subjects would be seriously endangered thereby, in particular due to the absence of legislation that guarantees adequate protection. 2 In the absence of legislation that guarantees adequate protection, personal data may be disclosed abroad only if: 6 Repealed by No. I of the Federal Act of 24 March 2006, with effect from 1 Jan Amended by No. I of the Federal Act of 24 March 2006, in force since 1 Jan Inserted by No. I of the Federal Act of 24 March 2006, in force since 1 Jan Inserted by No. I of the Federal Act of 24 March 2006, in force since 1 Jan Second sentence inserted by No. I of the Federal Act of 24 March 2006, in force since 1 Jan Amended by No. I of the Federal Act of 24 March 2006, in force since 1 Jan (AS ; BBl ). 3
4 235.1 Data Protection a. sufficient safeguards, in particular contractual clauses, ensure an adequate level of protection abroad; b. the data subject has consented in the specific case; c. the processing is directly connected with the conclusion or the performance of a contract and the personal data is that of a contractual party; d. disclosure is essential in the specific case in order either to safeguard an overriding public interest or for the establishment, exercise or enforcement of legal claims before the courts; e. disclosure is required in the specific case in order to protect the life or the physical integrity of the data subject; f. the data subject has made the data generally accessible and has not expressly prohibited its processing; g. disclosure is made within the same legal person or company or between legal persons or companies that are under the same management, provided those involved are subject to data protection rules that ensure an adequate level of protection. 3 The Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner (the Commissioner, Art. 26) must be informed of the safeguards under paragraph 2 letter a and the data protection rules under paragraph 2 letter g. The Federal Council regulates the details of this duty to provide information. Art. 7 Data security 1 Personal data must be protected against unauthorised processing through adequate technical and organisational measures. 2 The Federal Council issues detailed provisions on the minimum standards for data security. Art. 7a 12 Art. 8 Right to information 1 Any person may request information from the controller of a data file as to whether data concerning them is being processed. 2 The controller of a data file must notify the data subject: Inserted by No. I of the Federal Act of 24 March 2006 (AS ; BBl ). Repealed by No. 3 of the Federal Act of 19 March 2010 on the Implementation of Framework Decision 2008/977/JHA on the protection of personal data processed in the framework of police and judicial cooperation in criminal matters, with effect from 1 Dec (AS ; BBl ). 13 Amended by No. I of the Federal Act of 24 March 2006, in force since 1 Jan
5 Federal Act a. 14 of all available data concerning the subject in the data file, including the available information on the source of the data; b. the purpose of and if applicable the legal basis for the processing as well as the categories of the personal data processed, the other parties involved with the file and the data recipient. 3 The controller of a data file may arrange for data on the health of the data subject to be communicated by a doctor designated by the subject. 4 If the controller of a data file has personal data processed by a third party, the controller remains under an obligation to provide information. The third party is under an obligation to provide information if he does not disclose the identity of the controller or if the controller is not domiciled in Switzerland. 5 The information must normally be provided in writing, in the form of a printout or a photocopy, and is free of charge. The Federal Council regulates exceptions. 6 No one may waive the right to information in advance. Art Limitation of the duty to provide information 1 The controller of a data file may refuse, restrict or defer the provision of information where: a. a formal enactment so provides; b. this is required to protect the overriding interests of third parties. 2 A federal body may further refuse, restrict or defer the provision of information where: a. this is required to protect overriding public interests, and in particular the internal or external security of the Confederation; b. the information would jeopardise the outcome of a criminal investigation or any other investigation proceedings. 3 As soon as the reason for refusing, restricting or deferring the provision of information ceases to apply, the federal body must provide the information unless this is impossible or only possible with disproportionate inconvenience or expense. 4 The private controller of a data file may further refuse, restrict or defer the provision of information where his own overriding interests so require and he does not disclose the personal data to third parties. 5 The controller of a data file must indicate the reason why he has refused, restricted or deferred access to information. 14 Amended by No. I of the Federal Act of 24 March 2006, in force since 1 Jan Amended by No. 3 of the Federal Act of 19 March 2010 on the Implementation of Framework Decision 2008/977/JHA on the protection of personal data processed in the framework of police and judicial cooperation in criminal matters, in force since 1 Dec (AS ; BBl ). 5
6 235.1 Data Protection Art. 10 Limitations of the right to information for journalists 1 The controller of a data file that is used exclusively for publication in the edited section of a periodically published medium may refuse to provide information, limit the information or defer its provision provided: a. the personal data reveals the sources of the information; b. access to the drafts of publications would have to be given; c. the freedom of the public to form its opinion would be prejudiced. 2 Journalists may also refuse restrict or defer information if the data file is being used exclusively as a personal work aid. Art. 10a 16 Data processing by third parties 1 The processing of personal data may be assigned to third parties by agreement or by law if: a. the data is processed only in the manner permitted for the instructing party itself; and b. it is not prohibited by a statutory or contractual duty of confidentiality. 2 The instructing party must in particular ensure that the third party guarantees data security. 3 Third parties may claim the same justification as the instructing party. Art Certification procedure 1 In order to improve data protection and data security, the manufacturers of data processing systems or programs as well as private persons or federal bodies that process personal data may submit their systems, procedures and organisation for evaluation by recognised independent certification organisations. 2 The Federal Council shall issue regulations on the recognition of certification procedures and the introduction of a data protection quality label. In doing so, it shall take account of international law and the internationally recognised technical standards. Art. 11a 18 Register of data files 1 The Commissioner maintains a register of data files that is accessible online. Anyone may consult the register. 16 Inserted by No. I of the Federal Act of 24 March 2006, in force since 1 Jan Amended by No. I of the Federal Act of 24 March 2006, in force since 1 Jan Inserted by No. I of the Federal Act of 24 March 2006, in force since 1 Jan
7 Federal Act Federal bodies must declare all their data files to the Commissioner in order to have them registered. 3 Private persons must declare their data files if: a. they regularly process sensitive personal data or personality profiles; or b. they regularly disclose personal data to third parties. 4 The data files must be declared before they are opened. 5 In derogation from the provisions in paragraphs 2 and 3, the controller of data files is not required to declare his files if: a. private persons are processing the data in terms of a statutory obligation; b. the Federal Council has exempted the processing from the registration requirement because it does not prejudice the rights of the data subjects; c. he uses the data exclusively for publication in the edited section of a periodically published medium and does not pass on any data to third parties without informing the data subjects; d. the data is processed by journalists who use the data file exclusively as a personal work aid; e. he has designated a data protection officer who independently monitors internal compliance with data protection regulations and maintains a list of the data files; f. he has acquired a data protection quality mark under a certification procedure in accordance with Article 11 and has notified the Commissioner of the result of the evaluation. 6 The Federal Council regulates the modalities for the declaration of data files for registration, the maintenance and the publication of the register, the appointment and duties of the data protection officer under paragraph 5 letter e and the publication of a list of controllers of data files that are relieved of the reporting obligation under paragraph 5 letters e and f. Section 3: Processing of Personal Data by Private Persons Art. 12 Breaches of privacy 1 Anyone who processes personal data must not unlawfully breach the privacy of the data subjects in doing so. 2 In particular, he must not: a. process personal data in contravention of the principles of Articles 4, 5 paragraph 1 and 7 paragraph 1; b. process data pertaining to a person against that person s express wish without justification; 7
8 235.1 Data Protection c. disclose sensitive personal data or personality profiles to third parties without justification Normally there is no breach of privacy if the data subject has made the data generally accessible and has not expressly prohibited its processing. Art. 13 Justification 1 A breach of privacy is unlawful unless it is justified by the consent of the injured party, by an overriding private or public interest or by law. 2 An overriding interest of the person processing the data shall in particular be considered if that person: a. processes personal data in direct connection with the conclusion or the performance of a contract and the personal data is that of a contractual party; b. is or intends to be in commercial competition with another and for this purpose processes personal data without disclosing the data to third parties; c. process data that is neither sensitive personal data nor a personality profile in order to verify the creditworthiness of another, and discloses such data to third parties only if the data is required for the conclusion or the performance of a contract with the data subject; d. processes personal data on a professional basis exclusively for publication in the edited section of a periodically published medium; e. processes personal data for purposes not relating to a specific person, in particular for the purposes of research, planning and statistics and publishes the results in such a manner that the data subjects may not be identified; f. collects data on a person of public interest, provided the data relates to the public activities of that person. Art Duty to provide information on the collection of sensitive personal data and personality profiles 1 The controller of the data file is obliged to inform the data subject of the collection of sensitive personal data or personality profiles; this duty to provide information also applies where the data is collected from third parties. 2 The data subject must be notified as a minimum of the following: a. the controller of the data file; 19 Amended by No. I of the Federal Act of 24 March 2006, in force since 1 Jan Repealed by No. I of the Federal Act of 24 March 2006 (AS ; BBl ). Amended by No. 3 of the Federal Act of 19 March 2010 on the Implementation of Framework Decision 2008/977/JHA on the protection of personal data processed in the framework of police and judicial cooperation in criminal matters, in force since 1 Dec (AS ; BBl ). 8
9 Federal Act b. the purpose of the processing; c. the categories of data recipients if a disclosure of data is planned. 3 If the data is not collected from the data subject, the data subject must be informed at the latest when the data is stored or if the data is not stored, on its first disclosure to a third party. 4 The duty of the controller of the data file to provide information ceases to apply if the data subject has already been informed or, in cases under paragraph 3, if: a. the storage or the disclosure of the data is expressly provided for by law; or b. the provision of information is not possible or possible only with disproportionate inconvenience or expense. 5 The controller of the data file may refuse, restrict or defer the provision of information subject to the requirements of Article 9 paragraphs 1 and 4. Art Legal claims 1 Actions relating to protection of privacy are governed by Articles 28, 28a and 28l of the Civil Code 22. The plaintiff may in particular request that data processing be stopped, that no data be disclosed to third parties, or that the personal data be corrected or destroyed. 2 Where it is impossible to demonstrate that personal data is accurate or inaccurate, the plaintiff may request that a note to this effect be added to the data. 3 The plaintiff may request that notification of third parties or the publication of the correction, destruction, blocking, and in particular the prohibition of disclosure to third parties, the marking of the data as disputed or the court judgment. 4 Actions on the enforcement of a right to information shall be decided by the courts in a simplified procedure under the Civil Procedure Code of 19 December Section 4: Processing of Personal Data by Federal Bodies Art. 16 Responsible body and controls 24 1 The federal body that processes or arranges for the processing of personal data in fulfilment of its tasks is responsible for data protection. 21 Amended by Annex 1 No. II 14 of the Civil Procedure Code of 19 Dec. 2008, in force since 1 Jan (AS ; BBl ). 22 SR SR Amended by No. I of the Federal Act of 24 March 2006, in force since 1 Jan
10 235.1 Data Protection 2 If federal bodies process personal data together with other federal bodies, with cantonal bodies or with private persons, the Federal Council may specifically regulate the control of and responsibility for data protection. 25 Art. 17 Legal basis 1 Federal bodies may process personal data if there is a statutory basis for doing so. 2 They may process sensitive personal data and personality profiles only if a formal enactment expressly provides therefor or if, by way of exception: a. such processing is essential for a task clearly defined in a formal enactment; b. the Federal Council authorises processing in an individual case because the rights of the data subject are not endangered; or c. the data subject has given his consent in an individual case or made his data general accessible and has not expressly prohibited its processing. 26 Art. 17a 27 Automated data processing in pilot projects 1 The Federal Council may, having consulted the Commissioner and before a formal enactment comes into force, approve the automated processing of sensitive personal data or personality profiles if: a. the tasks that require such processing required are regulated in a formal enactment; b. adequate measures are taken to prevent breaches of privacy; c. a test phase before the formal enactment comes into force is indispensable for the practical implementation of data processing. 2 A test phase may be mandatory for the practical implementation of data processing if: a. the fulfilment of a task requires technical innovations, the effects of which must first be evaluated; b. the fulfilment of a task requires significant organisational or technical measures, the effectiveness of which must first be tested, in particular in the case of cooperation between federal and the cantonal bodies; or c. processing requires that sensitive personal data or personality profiles be transmitted online to cantonal authorities. 25 Amended by No. I of the Federal Act of 24 March 2006, in force since 1 Jan Amended by No. I of the Federal Act of 24 March 2006, in force since 1 Jan Inserted by No. I of the Federal Act of 24 March 2006 (AS ; BBl , ). Amended by No. I of the Federal Act of 24 March 2006, in force since 15 Dec
11 Federal Act The Federal Council shall regulate the modalities of automated data processing in an ordinance. 4 The competent federal body shall provide the Federal Council with an evaluation report at the latest within two years of the pilot system coming into operation. The report contains a proposal on whether the processing should be continued or terminated. 5 Automated data processing must be terminated in every case if within five years of the pilot systems coming into operation no formal enactment has come in force that contains the required legal basis. Art. 18 Collection of personal data 1 In the case of systematic surveys, in particular by means of questionnaires, the federal organ shall disclose the purpose of and the legal basis for the processing, and the categories of persons involved with the data file and of the data recipients Art. 18a 29 Duty to provide information on the collection of personal data 1 Federal bodies are obliged to inform the data subject of the collection of personal data; this duty to provide information also applies where the data is collected from third parties. 2 The data subject must be notified as a minimum of the following: a. the controller of the data file; b. the purpose of processing; c. the categories of the data recipients where a disclosure of data is planned; d. the right to information in accordance with Article 8; e. the consequences of the refusal of the data subject to provide the requested personal data. 3 If the data is not collected from the data subject, the data subject must be informed at the latest when the data is stored or if the data is not stored, on its first disclosure to a third party. 4 The duty of the controller of the data file to provide information ceases to apply if the data subject has already been informed or, in cases under paragraph 3, if: a. the storage or the disclosure of the data is expressly provided for by law; or 28 Repealed by No. I of the Federal Act of 24 March 2006, with effect from 1 Jan Inserted by No. 3 of the Federal Act of 19 March 2010 on the Implementation of Framework Decision 2008/977/JHA on the protection of personal data processed in the framework of police and judicial cooperation in criminal matters, in force since 1 Dec (AS ; BBl ). 11
12 235.1 Data Protection b. the provision of information is not possible or possible only with disproportionate inconvenience or expense. 5 If the duty to provide information would compromise the competitiveness of a federal body, the Federal Council may limit the application of the duty to the collection of sensitive personal data and personality profiles. Art. 18b 30 Restriction of the duty to provide information 1 Federal bodies may refuse, restrict or defer the provision of information subject to the requirements of Article 9 paragraphs 1 and 2. 2 As soon as the reason for refusal, restriction or deferral ceases to apply, the federal bodies are bound by the duty to provide information unless compliance is not possible or possible only with disproportionate inconvenience or expense. Art. 19 Disclosure of personal data 1 Federal bodies may disclose personal data if there is legal basis for doing so in accordance with Article 17 or if: 31 a. the data is indispensable to the recipient in the individual case for the fulfilment of his statutory task; b. 32 the data subject has consented in the individual case; c. 33 the data subject has made the data generally accessible and has not expressly prohibited disclosure; or d. the recipient demonstrates credibly that the data subject is withholding consent or blocking disclosure in order to prevent the enforcement of legal claims or the safeguarding of other legitimate interests; the data subject must if possible be given the opportunity to comment beforehand. 1bis Federal bodies may also disclose personal data within the terms of the official information disclosed to the general public, either ex officio or based on the Freedom of Information Act of 17 December if: a. the personal data concerned is connected with the fulfilment of public duties; and 30 Inserted by No. 3 of the Federal Act of 19 March 2010 on the Implementation of Framework Decision 2008/977/JHA on the protection of personal data processed in the framework of police and judicial cooperation in criminal matters, in force since 1 Dec (AS ; BBl ). 31 Amended by No. I of the Federal Act of 24 March 2006, in force since 1 Jan (AS ; BBl ). 32 Amended by No. I of the Federal Act of 24 March 2006, in force since 1 Jan Amended by No. I of the Federal Act of 24 March 2006, in force since 1 Jan SR
13 Federal Act b. there is an overriding public interest in its disclosure Federal bodies may on request also disclose the name, first name, address and date of birth of a person if the requirements of paragraph1 are not fulfilled. 3 Federal bodies may make personal data accessible online if this is expressly provided for. Sensitive personal data and personality profiles may be made accessible online only if this is expressly provided for in a formal enactment. 36 3bis Federal bodies may make personal data generally accessible by means of automated information and communication services if a legal basis is provided for the publication of such data or if they make information accessible to the general public on the basis of paragraph1 bis. If there is no longer a public interest in the accessibility of such data, the data concerned must be removed from the automated information and communication service The federal body shall refuse or restrict disclosure, or make it subject to conditions if: a. essential public interests or clearly legitimate interests of a data subject so require or b. statutory duties of confidentiality or special data protection regulations so require. Art. 20 Blocking disclosure 1 A data subject that credibly demonstrates a legitimate interest may request the federal body concerned to block the disclosure of certain personal data. 2 The federal body shall refuse to block disclosure or lift the block if: a. there is a legal duty of disclosure; or b. the fulfilment of its task would otherwise be prejudiced. 3 Any blocking of disclosure is subject to Article 19 paragraph 1 bis. 38 Art Offering documents to the Federal Archives 1 In accordance with the Archiving Act of 26 June , federal bodies shall offer the Federal Archives all personal data that is no longer in constant use. 35 Inserted by Annex No. 4 of the Freedom of Information Act of 17 Dec. 2004, in force since 1 July 2006 (SR 152.3). 36 Second sentence according to No. I of the Federal Act of 24 March 2006, with effect from 1 Jan Inserted by Annex No. 4 of the Freedom of Information Act of 17 Dec. 2004, in force since 1 July 2006 (SR 152.3). 38 Inserted by Annex No. 4 of the Freedom of Information Act of 17 Dec. 2004, in force since 1 July 2006 (SR 152.3). 39 Amended by No. I of the Federal Act of 24 March 2006, in force since 1 Jan SR
14 235.1 Data Protection 2 The federal bodies shall destroy personal data designated by the Federal Archives as not being of archival value unless it: a. is rendered anonymous; b. 41 must be preserved on evidentiary or security grounds or in order to safeguard the legitimate interests of the data subject. Art. 22 Processing for research, planning and statistics 1 Federal bodies may process personal data for purposes not related to specific persons, and in particular for research, planning and statistics, if: a. the data is rendered anonymous, as soon as the purpose of the processing permits; b. the recipient only discloses the data with the consent of the federal body and c. the results are published in such a manner that the data subjects may not be identified. 2 The requirements of the following provisions need not be fulfilled: a. Article 4 paragraph 3 on the purpose of processing b. Article17 paragraph 2 on the legal basis for the processing of sensitive personal data and personality profiles; c. Article 19 paragraph 1 on the disclosure of personal data. Art. 23 Private law activities of federal bodies 1 If a federal body acts under private law, the provisions for the processing of personal data by private persons apply. 2 Supervision is governed by the provisions on federal bodies. Art Art. 25 Claims and procedure 1 Anyone with a legitimate interest may request the federal body concerned to: a. refrain from processing personal data unlawfully; b. eliminate the consequences of unlawful processing; c. ascertain whether processing is unlawful. 41 Amended by No. 3 of the Federal Act of 19 March 2010 on the Implementation of Framework Decision 2008/977/JHA on the protection of personal data processed in the framework of police and judicial cooperation in criminal matters, in force since 1 Dec (AS ; BBl ). 42 Repealed by Art. 31 of the Federal Act of 21 March 1997 on Measures to Safeguard Internal Security (SR 120). 14
15 Federal Act If it is not possible to prove the accuracy or the inaccuracy of personal data, the federal body must mark the data correspondingly. 3 The applicant may in particular request that the federal body: a. corrects or destroys the personal data or blocks its disclosure to third parties; b. communicates its decision to third parties, in particular on the correction, destruction, blocking of the data or marking of the data as disputed, or publishes the decision. 4 The procedure is governed by the Federal Act of 20 December on Administrative Procedure (Administrative Procedure Act). The exceptions contained in Articles 2 and 3 of the Administrative Procedure Act do not apply Art. 25bis 45 Procedure in the event of the disclosure of official documents containing personal data For as long as proceedings relating to access to official documents within the meaning of the Freedom of Information Act of 17 December that contain personal data are ongoing, the data subject may within the terms of such proceedings claim the rights accorded to him on the basis of Article 25 of this Act in relation to those documents that are the subject matter of the access proceedings. Section 5: Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner Art Appointment and status 1 The Commissioner is appointed by the Federal Council for a term of office of four years. The appointment must be approved by the Federal Assembly. 2 The employment relationship is governed by the Federal Personnel Act of 24 March , unless this Act provides otherwise. 2 The Commissioner fulfils his tasks independently without being subject to the directives of any authority. He is assigned to the Federal Chancellery for administrative purposes. 43 SR Repealed by Annex No. 26 of the Administrative Court Act of 17 June 2005, with effect from 1 Jan (SR ). 45 Inserted by Annex No. 4 of the Freedom of Information Act of 17 Dec. 2004, in force since 1 July 2006 (SR 152.3). 46 SR Amended by No. 3 of the Federal Act of 19 March 2010 on the Implementation of Framework Decision 2008/977/JHA on the protection of personal data processed in the framework of police and judicial cooperation in criminal matters, in force since 1 Dec (AS ; BBl ). 48 SR
16 235.1 Data Protection 3 He has a permanent secretariat and his own budget. He appoints his own staff. 5 The Commissioner is not subject to the system of assessment under Article 4 paragraph 3 of the Federal Personnel Act of 24 March Art. 26a 49 Reappointment and termination of the term of office 1 The Commissioner is automatically reappointed for a further term of office unless, at least six months prior to the expiry of his term of office, the Federal Council has issued an order based on materially adequate grounds for the Commissioner not to be reappointed. 2 The Commissioner may request the Federal Council to be discharged from office at the end of any month subject to six months advance notice. 3 The Federal Council may dismiss the Commissioner from office before the expiry of his term of office if he: a. wilfully or through gross negligence seriously violates his duties of office; or b. he is permanently unable to fulfil his duties of office. Art. 26b 50 Secondary occupation The Federal Council may permit the Commissioner to carry on another occupation provided this does not compromise his independence and standing. Art. 27 Supervision of federal bodies 1 The Commissioner 51 supervises compliance by federal bodies with this Act and other federal data protection regulations of the Confederation. The Federal Council is excluded from such supervision. 2 The Commissioner investigates cases either on his own initiative or at the request of a third party. 3 In investigating cases, he may request the production of files, obtain information and arrange for processed data to be shown to him. The federal bodies must assist in determining the facts of any case. The right to refuse to testify under Article 16 of the Administrative Procedure Act 52 applies by analogy. 49 Inserted by No. 3 of the Federal Act of 19 March 2010 on the Implementation of Framework Decision 2008/977/JHA on the protection of personal data processed in the framework of police and judicial cooperation in criminal matters, in force since 1 Dec (AS ; BBl ). 50 Inserted by No. 3 of the Federal Act of 19 March 2010 on the Implementation of Framework Decision 2008/977/JHA on the protection of personal data processed in the framework of police and judicial cooperation in criminal matters, in force since 1 Dec (AS ; BBl ). 51 Title according to Annex No. 4 of the Freedom of Information Act of 17 Dec. 2004, in force since 1 July 2006 (SR 152.3). This amendment is taken into account throughout this Act. 52 SR
17 Federal Act If the investigation reveals that data protection regulations are being breached, the Commissioner shall recommend that the federal body concerned change the method of processing or abandon the processing. He informs the department concerned or the Federal Chancellery of his recommendation. 5 If a recommendation is not complied with or is rejected, he may refer the matter to the department or to the Federal Chancellery for a decision. The decision is communicated to the data subjects in the form of a ruling The Commissioner has a right of appeal against the ruling under paragraph 5 and against the decision of the appeal authority. 54 Art. 28 Advice to private persons The Commissioner advises private persons on data protection matters. Art. 29 Investigations and recommendations in the private sector 1 The Commissioner shall investigate cases in more detail on his own initiative or at the request of a third party if: a. methods of processing are capable of breaching the privacy of larger number of persons (system errors); b. 55 data files must be registered (Art. 11a); c. 56 there is a duty to provide information in terms of Article 6 paragraph 3. 2 To this end, he may request files, obtain information and arrange for processed data to be shown to him. The right to refuse to testify under Article 16 of the Administrative Procedure Act 57 applies by analogy. 3 On the basis of his investigations, the Commissioner may recommend that the method of processing be changed or abandoned. 4 If a recommendation made by the Commissioner is not complied with or is rejected, he may refer the matter to the Federal Administrative Court for a decision. He has the right to appeal against this decision Second sentence according to No. I of the Federal Act of 24 March 2006, in force since 1 Jan Inserted by No. I of the Federal Act of 24 March 2006, in force since 1 Jan Amended by No. I of the Federal Act of 24 March 2006, in force since 1Jan Amended by No. I of the Federal Act of 24 March 2006, in force since 1 Jan SR Amended by No. I of the Federal Act of 24 March 2006, in force since 1 Jan
18 235.1 Data Protection Art. 30 Information 1 The Commissioner shall submit a report to the Federal Assembly at regular intervals and as required. He shall provide the Federal Council with a copy of the report at the same time. The regular reports are published In cases of general interest, he informs the general public of his findings and recommendations. He may only publish personal data subject to official secrecy with consent of the authority responsible. If it refuses its consent, the President of the division of the Federal Administrative Court responsible for data protection makes the final decision. 60 Art. 31 Additional tasks 1 The Commissioner has the following additional tasks in particular: 61 a. he assists federal and cantonal bodies on data protection issues. b. he provides an opinion on draft federal legislation and on other federal measures that are relevant to data protection. c. he cooperates with domestic and foreign data protection authorities. d. 62 he provides an expert opinion on the extent to which foreign data protection legislation guarantees adequate protection. e. 63 he examines safeguards and data protection rules notified to him under Article 6 paragraph 3. f. 64 He examines the certification procedure under Article11 and may issue recommendations in accordance with Article 27 paragraph 4 or Article 29 paragraph 3. g. 65 He carries out the tasks assigned to him under the Freedom of Information Act of 17 December Amended by No. 3 of the Federal Act of 19 March 2010 on the Implementation of Framework Decision 2008/977/JHA on the protection of personal data processed in the framework of police and judicial cooperation in criminal matters, in force since 1 Dec (AS ; BBl ). 60 Wording of sentence according to Annex No. 26 of the Administrative Court Act of 17 June 2005, in force since 1 Jan (SR ). 61 Amended by Annex No. 4 of the Freedom of Information Act of 17 Dec. 2004, in force since 1 July 2006 (SR 152.3). 62 Amended by No. I of the Federal Act of 24 March 2006, in force since 1 Jan Inserted by Annex No. 4 of the Freedom of Information Act of 17 Dec (SR 152.3). Amended by No. I of the Federal Act of 24 March 2006, in force since 1 Jan Amended by No. I of the Federal Act of 24 March 2006, in force since 1 Jan Amended by No. I of the Federal Act of 24 March 2006, in force since 1 Jan SR
19 Federal Act He may also advise bodies of the Federal Administration even if, in accordance with Article 2 paragraph 2 letters c and d, this Act does not apply. The bodies of the Federal Administration may permit him to inspect their files. Art Section 6: 68 Legal Protection Art Legal protection is governed by the general provisions on the administration of federal justice. 2 If the Commissioner establishes in a case investigation under Article 27 paragraph 2 or under Article 29 paragraph 1 that the data subjects are threatened with a disadvantage that cannot be easily remedied, he may apply to the President of the division of the Federal Administrative Court responsible for data protection for interim measures to be taken. The procedure is governed by analogy by Articles of the Federal Act of 4 December on Federal Civil Procedure. Section 7: Criminal Provisions Art. 34 Breach of obligations to provide information, to register or to cooperate 1 On complaint, private persons are liable to a fine 70 if they: a. breach their obligations under Articles 8 10 and 14, in that they wilfully provide false or incomplete information; or b. wilfully fail: 1. to inform the data subject in accordance with Article 14 paragraph 1, or 2. to provide information required under Article 14 paragraph Private persons are liable to a fine 72 if they wilfully: 67 Repealed by Annex No I of the Federal Act of 30 Sept on Research involving Human Beings, with effect from 1 Jan (AS ; BBl ). 68 Amended by Annex No. 26 des Administrative Court Act of 17 June 2005, in force since 1 Jan (SR ). 69 SR Amended by Art. 333 of the Criminal Code (SR 311.0) in the version of the Federal Act of 13 Dec. 2002, in force since 1 Jan (AS ). 71 Amended by No. 3 of the Federal Act of 19 March 2010 on the Implementation of Framework Decision 2008/977/JHA on the protection of personal data processed in the framework of police and judicial cooperation in criminal matters, in force since 1 Dec (AS ; BBl ). 19
20 235.1 Data Protection a. 73 fail to provide information in accordance with Article 6 paragraph 3 or to declare files in accordance with Article11a or who in doing so wilfully provide false information; or b. provide the Commissioner with false information in the course of a case investigation (Art. 29) or who refuse to cooperate. Art. 35 Breach of professional confidentiality 1 Anyone who without authorisation wilfully discloses confidential, sensitive personal data or personality profiles that have come to their knowledge in the course of their professional activities where such activities require the knowledge of such data is, on complaint, liable to a fine The same penalties apply to anyone who without authorisation wilfully discloses confidential, sensitive personal data or personality profiles that have come to their knowledge in the course of their activities for a person bound by professional confidentiality or in the course of training with such a person. 3 The unauthorised disclosure of confidential, sensitive personal data or personality profiles remains an offence after termination of such professional activities or training. Section 8: Final Provisions Art. 36 Implementation 1 The Federal Council shall issue the implementing provisions It may provide for derogations from Articles 8 and 9 in relation to the provision of information by Swiss diplomatic and consular representations abroad. 4 It may also specify: a. which data files require processing regulations; b. the requirements under which a federal body may arrange for the processing of personal data by a third party or for a third party; c. how the means of identification of persons may be used. 72 Amended by Art. 333 of the Criminal Code (SR 311.0) in the version of the Federal Act of 13 Dec. 2002, in force since 1 Jan (AS ). 73 Amended by No. I of the Federal Act of 24 March 2006, in force since 1 Jan Amended by Art. 333 of the Criminal Code (SR 311.0) in the version of the Federal Act of 13 Dec. 2002, in force since 1 Jan (AS ). 75 Repealed by Art. 25 of the Archiving Act of 26 June 1998 (SR 152.1). 20
21 Federal Act It may conclude international treaties on data protection provided they comply with the principles of this Act. 6 It regulates how data files must be secured where the data may constitute a danger to life and limb for the data subjects in the event of war or other crisis. Art. 37 Implementation by the cantons 1 Unless there are cantonal data protection regulations that ensure an adequate level of protection, Articles 1 11a, 16, 17, and 25 paragraphs 1 3 of this Act apply to the processing of personal data by cantonal bodies in the implementation of federal law The cantons shall appoint a controlling body to ensure compliance with data protection requirements. Articles 27, 30 and 31 are applicable in an analogous manner. Art. 38 Transitional provisions 1 The controllers of data files must register existing data files that must be registered under Article 11 within one year of the commencement of this Act at the latest. 2 They must take the required measures within one year of the commencement of this Act to be able to provide the information required under Article 8. 3 Federal bodies may continue to use an existing data file with sensitive personal data or with personality profiles until 31 December 2000 without fulfilling the requirements of Article 17 paragraph In matters relating to asylum and foreign nationals, the period mentioned in paragraph 3 is extended until the commencement of the totally revised Asylum Act 78 and the amendments to the Federal Act of 26 March on the Residence and Permanent Settlement of Foreign Nationals. 80 Art. 38a 81 Transitional provision to the Amendment of 19 March 2010 The appointment of the Commissioner and the termination of his employment relationship are subject to the previous law until the end of the legislative period in which this amendment comes into force. 76 Amended by No. I of the Federal Act of 24 March 2006, in force since 1 Jan (AS ; BBl ). 77 Amended by No. I of the des Federal Decree of 26 June 1998, in force until 31 Dec (AS ; BBl ). 78 SR SR Inserted by No. II of the Federal Decree of 20 June 1997, in force since 1 Jan (AS ; BBl 1997 I 877). The Acts mentioned come into force on 1 Oct Inserted by No. 3 of the Federal Act of 19 March 2010 on the Implementation of Framework Decision 2008/977/JHA on the protection of personal data processed in the framework of police and judicial cooperation in criminal matters, in force since 1 Dec (AS ; BBl ). 21
22 235.1 Data Protection Art. 39 Referendum and commencement 1 This Act is subject to an optional referendum. 2 The Federal Council determines the date on which this Act comes into force. Commencement Date: 1 July Final Provision of the Amendment of 24 March Within a year of the commencement of this Act, the controllers of data files must take the required measures to inform data subjects in accordance with Article 4 paragraph 4 and Article 7a. 82 Federal Council Decree of 14 June 1993 (AS ). 83 AS
23 Federal Act Annex Amendment of Federal Acts The amendments may be consulted under AS
24 235.1 Data Protection 24
of 21 December 1937 (Status as of 1 January 2015) Please note: this translation does not yet include the amendments of 1.1.2016
English is not an official language of the Swiss Confederation. This translation is provided for information purposes only and has no legal force. 311.0 of 21 December 1937 (Status as of 1 January 2015)
of 10 December 1907 (Status as of 1 July 2014)
English is not an official language of the Swiss Confederation. This translation is provided for information purposes only and has no legal force. of 10 December 1907 (Status as of 1 July 2014) Please