This report presents the work carried out by the Independent Oversight Authority for Intelligence Activities (OA-IA) in 2025. The year was marked by a change in leadership at both the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS) and the Federal Intelligence Service (FIS).
Using a risk-based approach, the OA-IA conducted audits in the areas of strategy, organisation, cooperation, information-gathering, resources and data processing. It carried out its mandate with respect to all of the authorities over which it exercises oversight, including the FIS, the Cyber and Electromagnetics Activities Service (CEA), the Military Intelligence Service (MIS) and the Armed Forces Preventive Protection Service (AFPPS).
The OA-IA published audit results more frequently, thus enhancing the transparency of its work. Audits focused in particular on information technology (project inventory and portfolio), the prevention of violent left-wing extremism and insider espionage, cooperation between the FIS and the cantonal intelligence services and other authorities, the use of virtual agents, operations involving information-gathering measures requiring authorisation and the management of human intelligence (HUMINT).
In the area of data procurement, 2025 was marked in particular by the completion of audit 22-18, which was conducted following various investigations involving the FIS Cyber Division. In addition, the OA-IA examined major systems such as the Information and Analysis System All-Source Integral Control Centre (IASA-ICC) and also reviewed FIS searches in third-party information systems. While it identified gradual improvements, it also highlighted continuing shortcomings, particularly in relation to documentation, technical compliance and access management. The OA-IA made several recommendations, for example with regard to clarifying the rules for virtual agents, preventing the risk of insider espionage, conducting an ICT inventory and storing data collected through cable interception. It also identified certain risks concerning senior management and the FIS transformation process.
Throughout the reporting year, the OA-IA maintained an ongoing dialogue with its various partners. At national level, it pointed to the growing need for greater dialogue, particularly with the cantons, while a three-day conference in Switzerland focused on international consultation.