Federal Act on Data Protection
in forceThe revised FADP governs personal-data processing, transparency, security, impact assessments, automated decisions and international transfers relevant to AI systems.
Jurisdiction baseline
AI regulation in Switzerland.
Switzerland does not have an overarching AI-specific act. AI systems are governed through existing data-protection, product, competition, employment, intellectual-property and sector rules. The Federal Council is pursuing a targeted approach: a consultation draft implementing the Council of Europe AI Convention and a nonbinding implementation plan are due by the end of 2026. Separate copyright work is also underway.
Current baseline
Rules, policy and active programs
Federal AI regulation program
consultation plannedThe Federal Council directed the administration to prepare a consultation bill implementing the Council of Europe AI Convention by the end of 2026, supported by a nonbinding implementation plan.
Guidelines on Artificial Intelligence for the Confederation
government guidanceThe guidelines frame responsible AI use by the federal administration around transparency, traceability, responsibility and human-centered deployment.
AI and copyright legislative workstream
consultation plannedThe Federal Institute of Intellectual Property is preparing a preliminary copyright bill for consultation by the end of 2026.
Key questions
What the record shows
Is there an AI-specific law in force here?
No. Existing horizontal and sector rules govern AI while the federal government prepares targeted legislation.
What is the main legislative path?
A consultation draft implementing the Council of Europe AI Convention is due by the end of 2026, focused on transparency, data protection, nondiscrimination and supervision.
Which law matters most today?
The Federal Act on Data Protection is central where AI systems process personal data or make automated decisions, alongside product, competition, employment and sector rules.
What else is moving?
The federal government is preparing a nonbinding implementation plan and a separate preliminary bill addressing AI and copyright.
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