Frequently asked questions about public directories

  1. What is the public directory?
  2. Will my listing be changed in all directories when I change my listing in the public directory?
  3. Will my listing in the public directory be changed when I fill out a Swiss Post forwarding order
  4. What exactly is a reverse search?
  5. What does the option "Operator service" mean?
  6. Can I have my telephone number listed in Directories publications but not in the public directory?
  7. Can I have my telephone number listed in the public directory only, and not in Directories publications?
  8. Do I have to be listed in the public directory?
  9. Why does my listing in the public directory look different to my listing in Directories publications?
  10. What information is published in the public directory?
  11. What happens with information in the public directory? Can Directories tell me which publications my data appears in?
  12. Is it possible to determine whether a directory is based on data from the public directory?
  13. I want to guard myself against annoying advertising calls. Is this also possible in the public directory?
  14. What is the legal basis for creating a public directory?

1. What is the public directory?

The public directory is not a directory in the actual sense of the word – it is a database operated by telephone providers. Anyone who wants to create a directory can access this database.
The information that must be included in the public directory is clearly defined by law.

local.ch directories are based on data from the public directory. In addition, local.ch directories also contain other important information (such as email addresses, websites, hours of business etc.) that is not included in the public directory.
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2. Will my listing be changed in all directories when I change my listing in the public directory?

Changing your listing in the public directory does not guarantee that your listing in all other directories will be automatically updated. There are two reasons for this:
  1. Not all directories are based on data that is originally from telephone companies, which is regulated by the Swiss Telecommunications Act. If a directory is not based on this data, no changes will be made.
  2. Directory publishers are not required by law to regularly update their directories with data from the public directory. Directories and local.ch always make these changes without delay.
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3. Will my listing in the public directory be changed when I fill out a Swiss Post forwarding order?

No, as this data is not subject to the Swiss Telecommunications Act.
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4. What exactly is a reverse search?

If you select the option "Reverse search only", you will only be found under your number – not under your name.

Example:
John Citizen, telephone number: 011 123 45 67
If you search for the telephone number "011 123 45 67", the listing for John Citizen will be displayed. But if you search the directory for the name "John Citizen", you will not find the listing.

local.ch directories do not offer a reverse search function. This means that if you select this option, you will no longer be found in local.ch directories.
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5. What does the option "Operator service only" mean?

If you select this option, you will not appear in any directory. However, you can still be found if someone is looking for you and contacts a special operator service. This service then calls you, for example, and asks you if you would like to establish contact with the person looking for you. This service is however currently not available in Switzerland.
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6. Can I have my telephone number listed in Directories publications but not in the public directory?

No, this is unfortunately not possible as it is prohibited by law.
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7. Can I have my telephone number listed in the public directory only, and not in Directories publications?

No, this is not possible. If you authorise publication of your data in the public directory, this will be listed in all directories that are based on the public directory - and in publications that use data from Directories. This is permitted under the Swiss Telecommunications Act.
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8. Do I have to be listed in the public directory?

No, a listing in the public directory is voluntary. If you do not want to be listed, you can inform your telephone company or Directories, which acts as the data agent for Swisscom and many other telephone companies. Please note that in this case, you will no longer be listed in the large majority of directories and in the worst case scenario, can no longer be found.
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9. Why does my listing in the public directory look different to my listing in Directories publications?

The contents of your public directory listing are regulated by law, which clearly defines which elements must be included in your listing. In local.ch directories, you have the option of entering additional elements such as your email address.
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10. Exactly which information is published in the public directory?

Data in the public directory is clearly defined by the technical and administrative regulations of the Swiss Telecommunications Act.
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11. What happens with information in the public directory? Can Directories tell me which publications my data appears in?

Telephone companies are required by law to give this data to anyone who wishes to create a directory with it. According to the law, they can then pass on your data. As a result, the recipients of this data and in which directories your data is published cannot be traced completely. However, you can ask the respective directory publisher directly (see next question).
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12. Is it possible to determine whether a directory is based on data from the public directory?

Yes, by contacting the publisher of a directory and asking if they use data from the public directory to create their directories. If this is the case, data is from the public directory and can only be changed by the telephone company or the authorised data agent. The directory publisher may not change your data at all – even at your express wish. This strict regulation is mandated by law.
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13. I want to guard myself against annoying advertising calls. Is this also possible in the public directory?

Yes, an advertising block also applies in the public directory and is passed on to all directory publishers that use this data. Ignoring this block (e.g. by marketing companies) is punishable by law. You will find more information about advertising blocks here
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14. What is the legal basis for creating a public directory?

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If your question about the public directory was not answered on this page, please contact us at reguladam@directories.ch