The Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner (FDPIC) is responsible for two areas: the Federal Act on Data Protection (Data Protection Act, FADP) and the Federal Act on Freedom of Information in the Administration (Freedom of Information Act, FoIA).
Tasks: Freedom of information
Freedom of information
The FDPIC undertakes various activities relating to the Freedom of Information Act (FoIA):
- managing the mediation process;
- providing non-binding recommendations in cases where no agreement can be found;
- drafting opinions on bills and measures taken by the federal government that are relevant to the FoIA;
- informing and advising citizens and the authorities about access to official documents.
The freedom of information principle gives people the right to access official documents held by the Federal Administration, without needing to provide a reason for their request. The authorities can restrict access in cases of overriding public or private interest, but they must explain their decision.
The FDPIC will initiate a mediation process on behalf of the person requesting information if the authorities limit, defer or refuse access. The aim is to find an agreement between the two parties as soon as possible. If this is not possible, the FDPIC will issue a written recommendation summarising its opinion.
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Last modification 10.05.2023