Reto Fanger

Reto Fanger is a lecturer at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU) in the Business school, specifically within the Institute for Business and Regional Economics IBR CC Management and Law. He also teaches at the University of Lucerne's Judges' Academy. As a Dr. iur. RA (Rechtsanwalt/Attorney at Law), he specializes in ICT, data, media, and employment law, practicing throughout Switzerland with his Lucerne-based law firm, ADVOKATUR FANGER.

Dr. Fanger earned his doctorate at the University of Basel with a dissertation on 'Digital documents as evidence in civil proceedings' in 2005. He was admitted to the bar in 2001 and holds a Licentiate of Law from the University of Freiburg (1998). His professional journey includes serving as Data Protection Commissioner of the Canton of Lucerne (2011-2018) and as Founding Partner, Board Member and Director Legal & Compliance at Swiss Business Protection AG (2019-2023).

Dr. Fanger's research and teaching focus on the intersection of law and digital technology. His primary areas of interest include data protection law, ICT law, AI law, and digital contracting. He teaches in the MSc in Applied Information and Data Science (Ethical and Legal Issues of Big Data), the MSc in Management & Law (Digital Contracting & Dispute Resolution, and Privacy in Marketing), and various continuing education programs including CAS Business Excellence and CAS Contract Management. His work addresses critical questions about how legal frameworks must evolve to keep pace with technological advancements, particularly in data processing, artificial intelligence, and digital evidence.

Dr. Fanger's publications over the past few years reveal a strong focus on Swiss and European data protection regulations, particularly the revised Swiss Data Protection Act (DSG) that came into effect in September 2023. His work spans practical guidance for businesses, analysis of regulatory changes, and exploration of emerging challenges in digital evidence within civil proceedings ('Justitia 4.0'). His research demonstrates the evolving nature of data law as it intersects with AI governance, HR analytics, and cross-border data transfers, reflecting both theoretical depth and practical application for organizations navigating complex regulatory landscapes.

As a practicing attorney since 2003 and founder of ADVOKATUR FANGER since 2011, Dr. Fanger bridges academic theory with real-world legal practice. He has served as editor of the WEKA Newsletter Data Protection (2020-2023) and co-organized the Lucerne Law & IT Summit (LITS) at the University of Lucerne since 2017. His professional activities demonstrate a commitment to advancing both legal education and practical compliance solutions in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.