Revision of the Intelligence Service Act: Federal Council Strengthens Early Detection and Defense Against Threats

Summary

The Federal Council adopted the message on the revision of the Intelligence Service Act (ISA) on 28 January 2026 and submitted it to Parliament. The revision aims to improve early detection and defense against terrorism, violent extremism, espionage and cyberattacks. At the same time, independent oversight of the Federal Intelligence Service (NDB) is being strengthened. The revision takes place in several packages and takes into account the escalated threat situation since 2020 as well as requirements from Parliament.

Persons

• Federal Council

Topics

• Intelligence Service Act (ISA)
• National Security
• Counter-terrorism
• Cyber Threats
• Data Protection
• Independent Oversight

Detailed Summary

The threat situation for Switzerland has escalated dramatically since 2020. The Federal Intelligence Service (NDB) now prioritizes a multitude of threats: terrorism, violent extremism, espionage, cyberattacks, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and attacks on critical infrastructure. The ISA revision is in line with the Federal Council's security policy strategy from December 2025 and implements parliamentary requirements that have been formulated since the introduction of the ISA in 2017.

The revision is divided into three parts: The present basic package contains changes to procurement measures, data retention and oversight. An additional package (public consultation mid-2026) will primarily include measures against cyber threats. A third package will separately implement requirements from a Federal Administrative Court ruling from November 2025 on radio and cable surveillance.

The basic package focuses on three priorities:

Early detection and combating serious threats: The NDB receives expanded competencies in cyberspace. In the case of serious threats from violent extremism, the same approval-required procurement measures (GEBM) can now be used as for terrorism. The NDB may collect data from financial intermediaries in cases of serious threats (terrorism financing, espionage). The Federal Police Office (fedpol) may impose travel restrictions on violent extremists. All GEBM are time-limited and subject to strict requirements; the Federal Administrative Court must approve each measure, and there is also political approval by the head of the VBS department. The Federal Council refrains from monitoring persons with professional confidentiality obligations as third parties.

Clarification of cable surveillance and strengthening of oversight: Cable surveillance monitors cross-border data traffic. It is clarified that all residents of Switzerland are excluded (corresponds to current practice). Extension periods for surveillance orders are extended to six months. Independent oversight is strengthened: The previous control body for radio and cable surveillance (UKI) is taken over by the full-time oversight authority AB-ND. The AB-ND receives expanded competencies: international cooperation, direct information of cantonal authorities and independent budget requests to Parliament.

New regulation of data processing: Data processing is regulated in a technology-neutral and comprehensive manner and adapted to the Data Protection Act that came into force in 2023. The right to information is simplified. A new legal remedy allows persons to have data processing and information delays reviewed by the Federal Administrative Court.

Key Statements

• The Federal Council strengthens early detection of security threats in light of multiplied risks since 2020
• Expanded competencies for the NDB in cyberspace and in financial investigations
• Violent extremism is equated with terrorist threats
• Independent oversight is strengthened through consolidation in the AB-ND and expanded competencies
• Data protection is adapted to modern legislation; new legal remedies for citizens introduced
• Renunciation of monitoring professional confidentiality holders as third parties

Stakeholders & Affected Parties

Opportunities & Risks

Action Relevance

Relevant for decision-makers:

• Parliamentarians: Detailed review of the three revision packages; focus on oversight mechanisms and data protection
• Authorities: Preparation for expanded NDB competencies; coordination between NDB, fedpol and AB-ND
• Financial Intermediaries: Preparation for new disclosure obligations; compliance adjustments
• Data Protection Officers: Monitoring implementation of data protection adjustments and legal remedies
• Public: Information on new data protection rights and possible travel restrictions

Quality Assurance & Fact-Checking

• [x] Central statements and data verified
• [x] All facts from official Federal Council press release
• [x] No unconfirmed data present
• [x] No apparent bias or political one-sidedness

Verification Status: ✓ Facts checked on 28.01.2026

Supplementary Research

1. Federal Council – Security Policy Strategy 2025: https://www.admin.ch (December 2025)
2. Federal Administrative Court – Ruling on Radio and Cable Surveillance: November 2025
3. Federal Data Protection Act (DPA): In force since 1 September 2023

Source Directory

Primary Source:
Federal Council Press Release – Revision of the Intelligence Service Act
https://www.news.admin.ch/de/newnsb/6Qc7d-frS7DJPPDiYpAYi
Published: 28 January 2026

Supplementary Documents:

1. Message on the Amendment to the Intelligence Service Act (PDF, 2.33 MB)
2. Federal Law on the Intelligence Service (PDF, 477.75 kB)
3. Report on the Results of the Public Consultation (PDF, 451.39 kB)

Verification Status: ✓ Facts checked on 28.01.2026

Footer (Transparency Notice)

This text was created with the support of Claude.
Editorial Responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-Checking: 28.01.2026