Data Protection Day 2025: Data protection in the face of digital transformation
To mark International Data Protection Day, the University of Lausanne's Faculty of Law, Criminal Sciences and Public Administration organised a public conference on the theme of ‹Freedom of choice in the digital age›, in collaboration with the Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner (FDPIC), the University of Geneva's Centre universitaire d'informatique and ThinkServices. The Deputy Data Protection Commissioner, Florence Henguely, presented feedback on the Data Protection Act and highlighted its impact on the practice of the FDPIC. She also spoke about the projects under the FDPIC's spotlight, particularly in the healthcare sector, and gave an overview of the main challenges.
The speakers addressed key issues such as the e-ID, the right to informational self-determination in the context of the electronic patient file and consent to the processing of health data. The event concluded with a round-table discussion with audience participation.
Digitisation in the federal administration
Numerous digitisation projects are underway in the private sector and in the federal administration, and the FDPIC is taking a critical look at them. With the entry into force of the new Data Protection Act on 1st September 2023, the FDPIC has been given additional tasks and responsibilities. The new law extends the obligations of data controllers and strengthens the protection of the private sphere of data subjects. The FDPIC has stepped up its monitoring activities, and this is reflected in the statistics.
Current position in figures (01.09.2023 – 21.01.2025)
The Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Personal Data, also known as Convention 108, was opened for signature on 28 January 1981. Celebrated every 28 January throughout Europe and across the Atlantic, International Data Protection Day was established in 2007. Its aim is not only to heighten public awareness of the importance of protecting the private sphere and the right to informational self-determination, but also to bring about a lasting change in behaviour in the use of new technologies.