FDPIC and privatim · guide ·
Digital monitoring in care homes: a joint guide of the FDPIC and the cantons
By Advisorn · guidance, not advice
In brief
The FDPIC and privatim, the conference of the cantonal data protection commissioners, have published a guide on the digital monitoring of people in care in hospitals and care homes. Monitoring must serve the person, be proportionate and prefer forms that do not transmit images.
What happened
The guide of 16 September 2026 distinguishes three forms of monitoring: direct, with real-time images; indirect, with a pictogram showing where the person is; situational, with an alert only for a defined event, such as a fall.
Public facilities need a basis in cantonal law; private ones are subject to the FADP. Consent is desirable but neither mandatory nor sufficient on its own, and the person must be informed of the purpose and effects.
What it means for an SME
The purpose must be in the interest of the person in care, for example their safety, not just the organisation of work. Less intrusive measures are considered first.
Choose privacy-friendly systems from the start, document the decision, review it regularly and train your staff.
Source: FDPIC communication of 16 September 2026. General information summarised from the source, not advice on your case: for your case, the text of the decision or the law is what counts.