Freedom of information

FAQ FoIA

Frequently asked questions about the implementation of the FoIA (German only)

Freedom of information

The federal Freedom of Information Act regulates the principle of public access to administrative activities ( (so-called principle of freedom of information). Under the Freedom of Information Act, anyone is entitled to access official documents without having to state an interest or motive. This shall promote transparency and comprehensibility of administrative activities.

Freedom of information in the Federal Administration 

When the Federal Act on Freedom of Information in the Administration (Freedom of Information Act) came into force, the Federal Administration moved away from a principle of non-disclosure to one of granting greater freedom of information. Since then, any person may

  • inspect official documents, and 
  • obtain information about the content of such documents, without having to state a specific interest or motive. 

The principle of freedom of information shall promote transparency of the organisation and functioning of the Federal Administration .It contributes to keeping  the public informed, thereby increasing confidence in the state and its authorities. It helps making administrative actions more transparent thereby allowing  the public to more clearly understand and assess political processes. The principle of freedom of information is therefore a tool for strengthening democratic participation. Moreover, it is an essential prerequisite for effective control of state authorities by the public.


Freedom of information on environmental matters

Irrespective of the Freedom of Information Act, the principle of freedom of information on environmental matters founds on the UNECE Convention on Access to Information, Participation in Decision-making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters (Aarhus Convention). 


Freedom of information in the cantons

The Freedom of Information Act does not apply to cantonal and communal authorities. However, most cantons recognise the principle of freedom of information in their administrations, whether at constitutional or legislative level. 

The following cantons have introduced the principle of freedom of information in their administrations: AG, AI, AR, BL, BS, BE, FR, GE, GL, GR, JU, NE, OW, SG, SH, SO, SZ, TG, TI, UR, VD, ZG, ZH.

The following cantons do not recognise the principle of freedom of information in their administrations: LU, NW.

Application for access should be directed to the cantonal administration where the documents to be accessed are held.

Legal Framework Federal Act on Freedom of Information

Legal Framework Federal Act on Freedom of Information

Recommendations according to FoIA

If no agreement can be reached in a conciliation procedure, the FDPIC shall issue a written recommendation.

Services FoIA

Templates in connection with the mediation proceedings and with the application for access.

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Last modification 23.07.2024

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