Author: news.admin.ch
Executive Summary
The independent supervisory authority for intelligence activities (AB-ND) has published its activity report for 2025. The authority completed 16 audits and conducted regular on-site visits to all services. Key focus areas were information technologies, combating left-wing extremism, counterintelligence, cooperation between the Federal Intelligence Service (NDB) and other authorities, as well as the use of virtual agents. In the area of data collection, AB-ND identified improvements, but also found persistent deficiencies in documentation, technical compliance, and access management.
Persons
- Federal Intelligence Service (NDB) (Authority under supervision)
Topics
- Intelligence supervision
- Cybersecurity and IT governance
- Data protection and data processing
- Internal control and compliance
Clarus Lead
The publication of the report signals growing demands for transparency from security authorities in Switzerland. Particularly relevant is the identified gap between technical requirements and practical implementation in data collection – a critical point for the public legitimacy of intelligence activities. Intensified national and international experience exchange suggests a professionalization of the supervisory landscape that extends beyond national borders.
Detailed Summary
In 2025, AB-ND conducted systematic reviews focused on central risk areas. Audit 22-18 on the NDB's cyber data collection was a key focus and followed several previous investigations in this sector. The authority examined key systems such as the IASA-ICC application and external queries to third-party systems.
The analysis revealed a mixed picture: While AB-ND identified gradual improvements, structural weaknesses persisted. Particularly problematic were deficiencies in process documentation, lack of technical compliance with standards, and gaps in access management to sensitive systems. These findings point to an implementation problem – not a lack of regulations, but implementation gaps in practice.
AB-ND intensified its coordination with other supervisory authorities. Nationally, there was increased need for experience exchange with cantonal supervisory authorities. Internationally, AB-ND organized a three-day conference with over 30 foreign supervisory authorities, which enabled knowledge transfer on best practices in intelligence supervision.
Key Findings
- 16 completed audits in 2025 with regular on-site presence at all services
- Persistent deficiencies in documentation, technical compliance, and access management despite identified improvements
- Cybersecurity as priority: Focus on data collection processes and external system queries
- International networking: Conference with 30+ foreign supervisory authorities for coordination and knowledge transfer
Critical Questions
Evidence/Data Quality: What metrics does AB-ND use to assess "gradual improvements" – are there quantifiable indicators or are these qualitative assessments?
Conflicts of Interest: To what extent does AB-ND's proximity to the audited authorities (regular on-site presence, value-added orientation) influence the independence and criticality of the audits?
Causality/Alternatives: Are the identified deficiencies in access management and documentation the result of insufficient resources, lack of training, or deliberate non-compliance with standards?
Feasibility/Risks: What concrete measures does AB-ND derive from its findings, and how is their implementation monitored – or does it remain limited to recommendations without enforcement mechanisms?
Audit Data Quality: How is the quality and comparability of the 16 audits ensured – do they follow standardized audit protocols?
Sources
Primary Source: Activity Report 2025 – Supervisory Authority for Intelligence Activities (AB-ND) – https://www.news.admin.ch/de/newnsb/vwK191TTJVTWANLv4hjmJ
Verification Status: ✓ 27.03.2026
This text was created with the support of an AI model. Editorial responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-check: 27.03.2026