Privacy policy and imprint

What we check

On the home page we look for links with typical labels such as "Privacy", "Privacy policy", "Datenschutz", "Imprint", "Impressum" or "Contact & imprint", also in French and Italian. Then we open the linked pages and check:

• Is there a link? If the link to the privacy policy is missing, this is a serious defect, for the imprint a warning.
• Does it work? If the page returns an error, we treat it like a missing link.
• Does the page have content? If it contains fewer than about 400 characters of text, it is probably a placeholder. This results in a warning.

This is an automatic preliminary check, not legal advice. We do not check whether the content is complete and correct.

Why it matters

Privacy policy: since 1 September 2023 the revised Data Protection Act (DPA) has applied in Switzerland. Anyone who processes personal data must inform the persons concerned: who is responsible, which data is processed for what purpose, to whom it goes and to which countries. On a website this almost always happens, for example through contact forms, analytics services, embedded maps, videos or fonts.

Imprint: the Federal Act against Unfair Competition (UWG) requires providers who offer goods or services online to give clear details of their identity and contact address. For most company websites an imprint is therefore mandatory.

If these pages are missing, the website also looks less trustworthy to visitors. Many look specifically at the imprint to check who is behind the website. And anyone who addresses customers in the EU may also be subject to the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

How to fix it

Privacy policy

1. List which services the website uses: hosting, contact form, analytics, maps, videos, fonts, newsletter, booking tools.
2. Create the policy, for example with a generator from a Swiss provider or with the help of a professional.
3. Note the date ("As of: October 2026").
4. Link it in the footer of every page.

Imprint

The minimum is:

• full company name with legal form, as entered in the commercial register,
• postal address (no P.O. box),
• email address,
• if available: UID number and commercial register entry.

A phone number and authorised representatives are usual and create trust.

Link it prominently

The links belong in the footer of every page, clearly labelled. Do not hide them in a menu that has to be opened first.

WordPress

WordPress has a function under "Settings › Privacy" to define a privacy page. The template provided is geared to the EU and is not sufficient without adjustment.

Website builders

Wix, Jimdo and Squarespace offer templates for legal texts. Check whether they fit Swiss law and name all services used.

How to check it yourself

Scroll right to the bottom of the home page. Do you find the links "Privacy" and "Imprint" at once, and do they open a page with full content?

Frequently asked questions

Does a small website really need a privacy policy?

As a rule, yes. Even a contact form, analytics, embedded maps or fonts from Google process personal data such as the IP address. Under the Data Protection Act the operator has to inform about this.

Can a generator be used?

Yes, generators from Swiss providers are a good start. What matters is that all services the website actually uses are listed, and that the policy is updated when something changes.

Is this check legal advice?

No. We check automatically whether the pages exist and are reachable, not whether their content is legally complete. For binding information, contact a professional.