2024/2025 Annual Report: Stronger enforcement of data protection rules and record number of freedom of information requests
Bern, 01.07.2025 — The Office of the FDPIC has significantly increased resources to combat data protection violations and has clarified his approach to the new Data Protection Act by concluding the first proceedings. Although mediation settlement rates are very high, the surge in applications for access and requests for mediation under the Freedom of Information Act is causing processing backlogs.
The Office of the FDPIC was able to largely complete the introductory work on the new Data Protection Act (FADP), which came into force on 1 September 2023. This enabled it to increase the number of staff assigned to dealing with violations of data protection regulations by around 30 per cent compared with the previous year and to clarify its practice under the new law in the first instance by concluding formal supervisory proceedings. Some of its rulings have been contested, meaning the Federal Administrative Court – and ultimately the Federal Supreme Court – will decide whether the FDPIC has correctly assessed the contested processing of personal data under the new law. Formal aspects of its supervision were also challenged in court, for example, the continuation of its practice of informing the public about supervisory proceedings of general interest, or the determination of fees.
A transparent Administration
Public interest in transparent administrative action remains strong – the number of applications for access submitted to federal authorities rose by nearly 30 per cent compared to the previous year. Despite a 53 per cent increase in mediation requests leading to processing backlogs and missed deadlines, the FDPIC still managed to reach a mutually agreed solution in 76 per cent of mediation negotiations.
During office consultations in the current reporting period, the FDPIC also expressed strong criticism of the ongoing efforts of the federal authorities to restrict administrative transparency.