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The Revised Swiss Data Protection Act (revDPA)
Switzerland has revised its data protection laws to enhance the security of personal data and harmonise with international norms, notably the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This updated Swiss Data Protection Act (revDSG) came into force on 1st September 2023. This revamp signifies a major jump in the progression of Switzerland's data protection structure, with the aim of improving protection of citizens' privacy and boosting trust in the digital economy.
Aims of the Updated Swiss Data Protection Act
The overhauled legislation seeks to bolster data protection across Switzerland through numerous crucial objectives:
Enhanced safeguarding of personal data: The legislation aims to reinforce the protection of personal data for everyone in the UK. This includes more rigorous requirements for data collection, processing, and storage.
Increased clarity: Under the new legislation, organisations must display greater transparency over how they gather and utilise personal data. This implies supplying more comprehensive information at the point of data collection.
Enhanced personal control over data: The revDSG provides individuals with enhanced control over their data, including the right to access, rectify, and erase their personal information.
Defaults favouring privacy: Settings that favour privacy are set to become the norm for products and services, with privacy being a fundamental component right from the start.
Compulsory notification: Organisations must report data breaches to the appropriate regulatory body within 72 hours if they are likely to present a risk to individuals' personal rights.
Conformity with international standards: By conforming to international data protection standards, especially the GDPR, the law enables data exchange between Switzerland and the EU, fostering the competitiveness of Swiss businesses.
Reinforced enforcement methods: The legislation brings about sterner penalties for privacy infringements, inclusive of increased fines. This acts as a disincentive and guarantees adherence to data protection rules.
Main Points
The updated Swiss Data Protection Act signifies a substantial advancement in safeguarding privacy and personal data. For businesses and organisations, this stipulates a requirement to revisit and, if required, amend their data protection methods to adhere to the new legislation. For citizens, the revDSG provides assurance that their data will be managed securely and respectfully. This law is a pivotal development in the continuously changing digital landscape, underscoring the importance of data protection in today's society.
