For cookie consent, Swiss law and EU law take different default stances. How do nDSG (Switzerland) and the DSGVO (EU) compare on opt-out versus opt-in?
For standard cookies, Switzerland generally allows opt-out (an informational banner with a right to object), whereas the EU requires opt-in consent. For sensitive data and newsletters, both require opt-in.
| Aspect | Switzerland (nDSG) | EU (DSGVO) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard cookies | Mostly opt-out (banner with information and a right to object) | Opt-in is mandatory |
| Sensitive data | Opt-in required | Opt-in required |
| Newsletter | Opt-in (due to the UWG, the unfair-competition law) | Opt-in |
| Focus | Transparency and good faith ("Treu und Glauben") | Explicit consent |
The key takeaway. The EU's default is "ask first" (explicit consent), while Switzerland's default for ordinary cookies is "inform and allow objection." But this Swiss leniency is narrow: it only covers standard, non-sensitive cookies. The moment sensitive personal data is involved, or you want to send a newsletter, Swiss law also demands opt-in. A common mistake is assuming Switzerland is "opt-out for everything" — it is not.