Switzerland, long seen as a global benchmark for privacy and data protection, is now under scrutiny for proposing a controversial change to its surveillance laws. The amendment could significantly affect the online anonymity of users worldwide, especially those relying on encrypted services based in the country.
What does the proposed amendment include
The Swiss Federal Council has launched a consultation to modify the Ordinance on the Surveillance of Correspondence by Post and Telecommunications. The change would extend surveillance obligations beyond telecoms to include VPN providers, messaging apps, cloud platforms and social networks, if they meet certain thresholds—either more than 5 000 users or $100 million in turnover.
These services would be required to collect and store metadata, such as who contacted whom and when, even if the content of the communication remains encrypted. While the government claims that end-to-end encryption won’t be compromised, privacy experts argue that the metadata alone is highly intrusive.
Privacy industry reactions are deeply divided
Proton and NymVPN, both known for their commitment to privacy, have strongly opposed the law, warning it would make their services unusable for protecting anonymity. Proton’s CEO even compared the legislation to surveillance regimes in authoritarian countries.
On the other hand, Infomaniak, another Swiss provider, is more moderate. While it also opposes the law in its current form, it supports a system where privacy coexists with accountability. The company argues that anonymity must not become a loophole for impunity online.
What’s next for online anonymity in Switzerland
The public consultation ended in May 2025. Now, the government is reviewing feedback, which included strong opposition from civil society and even some regional governments. Whether Switzerland will uphold its legacy of privacy or redefine it remains uncertain.