Swiss Federal Act on Data Protection (FADP) Course

Included in Plus Delivery: 100% online Duration: approximately 40–50 minutes plus welcome Certificate on Completion

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Switzerland's revised Federal Act on Data Protection came into force in September 2023. If your organisation processes personal data in or affecting Switzerland, you need to understand your obligations.

This course provides comprehensive guidance on the Swiss FADP (revFADP), covering fundamental concepts, data controller obligations, and compliance requirements for organisations operating in Switzerland.

Whether you're a data protection officer, compliance manager, or business professional handling Swiss personal data, this course will help you understand and meet your legal obligations.

Learning with us

Why learn about the Swiss FADP?

Legal compliance — understand your obligations under Switzerland's data protection law
Avoid criminal sanctions — the FADP can impose fines up to CHF 250,000 on individuals
International data transfers — learn the rules for transferring data to and from Switzerland
Understand the differences between FADP and GDPR if you operate in both jurisdictions
Build practical knowledge of DPIAs, record-keeping, and security requirements

Course features

Comprehensive Coverage

Practical awareness covering Swiss data protection fundamentals, responsibilities and enforcement.

Current & Authoritative

Based on the revised FADP (September 2023) and guidance from the FDPIC.

Practical Focus

Recognise high-risk processing and understand security and record-keeping responsibilities.

Swiss-Specific

Focused on Swiss law, including the unique aspects like criminal liability for individuals and the role of the FDPIC.

Course information

Learning outcomes

Understand the scope and application of the revised FADP
Know the key concepts: data controller, processor, personal data, legal basis
Understand data subject rights under Swiss law
Apply practical controller duties
Recognise potentially high-risk processing and refer it for a Data Protection Impact Assessment
Implement appropriate security measures and record-keeping
Understand FDPIC enforcement and potential sanctions

Key topics covered

FADP fundamentals: Scope, definitions, and key differences from the 1992 law
Data subject rights: Access, rectification, deletion, data portability
Controller obligations: Practical controller duties
DPIAs: Recognising high-risk processing and referring it for assessment
Security & records: Technical measures and documentation requirements
Enforcement: FDPIC powers and criminal sanctions

This course is recommended for

Data Protection Officers (DPOs)
Compliance managers and legal teams
Business professionals handling Swiss personal data
IT and security professionals
Anyone responsible for FADP compliance

Prerequisites

None required. This course is designed to be accessible to anyone needing to understand Swiss data protection law, regardless of prior knowledge.

Course content

Section 1: Welcome and legal notices

Start with the course introduction and notices.

Lessons

Welcome and legal notices

Section 2: Swiss scope and individual rights

Learn the fundamentals of Swiss data protection and the rights of data subjects.

Lessons

Introduction to Swiss Data Protection
Key Concepts of the FADP
Rights of Data Subjects

Section 3: Controller duties and risk assessment

Explore controller obligations and identify when proposed processing needs a risk assessment.

Lessons

Practical Controller Obligations
Data Protection Impact Assessments

Section 4: Security and records

Learn about security measures and record-keeping requirements.

Lessons

Data Security Measures
Record-Keeping Requirements

Section 5: Oversight and sanctions

Understand the role of the FDPIC and the limits of criminal liability.

Lessons

The Role of the FDPIC
Sanctions for Non-Compliance

Section 6: Ongoing practice and assessment

Find official sources, consider improvements at work and complete the 12-question final assessment.

Lessons

Staying Up-to-Date with FADP
Developing a Data Protection Culture
Final Assessment: Swiss FADP

How it works

Step 1

Buy course seats

Purchase online using your credit or debit card. You'll be able to login immediately and start learning yourself, or invite your team members to join you.

Step 2

Start learning

Work through the video lessons and final assessment. On completion of the course you'll be issued with a certificate.

Step 3

Stay compliant

Use your certificate as evidence of FADP training for compliance and audit purposes. We recommend annual refresher training.

What's included

Training

Distraction-free online learning platform
11 teaching videos plus a welcome
12-question final assessment

Updates

Access to all course material updates for the length of your access period

Certification

Digital certificate of completion
75% pass mark required

Course FAQs

Will I get a certificate?

A digital certificate of completion is available after you complete all lessons and pass the final assessment. You can add your certificate to your LinkedIn profile.

Can I buy multiple seats?

Yes, you can purchase multiple seats for your team. Simply select the number of seats you need during checkout. Each team member will receive their own login credentials and can complete the course independently.

Is there a money back guarantee?

Yes, we offer a 14-day 100% money-back guarantee. If you are not satisfied with the course for any reason, simply contact us within 14 days of purchase for a full refund.

When did the revised FADP come into force?

The revised Federal Act on Data Protection (revFADP) came into force on 1 September 2023. It replaced the original 1992 law and brought Switzerland's data protection framework in line with modern standards.

Does the FADP apply to my organisation?

The FADP applies to private persons and federal bodies that process personal data. It has extraterritorial scope, meaning it can apply to organisations outside Switzerland if their data processing has effects in Switzerland.

How does the FADP compare to GDPR?

The FADP shares many concepts with the EU GDPR but has some differences. For example, the FADP has criminal sanctions against individuals (not just organisations), and some obligations have different thresholds. This course covers the key FADP requirements.

What is the FDPIC?

The Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner (FDPIC) is Switzerland's independent authority responsible for supervising compliance with the FADP. They provide guidance, investigate complaints, and can take enforcement action.

What are the penalties for FADP violations?

Unlike the GDPR, the FADP primarily imposes criminal sanctions on individuals rather than organisations. Fines of up to CHF 250,000 can be imposed on the responsible individuals for intentional violations of certain provisions.