As of November 30 2010, the Swiss can feel further protected regarding their privacy. If you previously saw an interesting vehicle as an enthusiast, but did not know who the owner was, you simply entered a police station or office of a Canton and asked for the details of the car and the owner.
You didn't have to come up with excuses along the lines of "Probably that car caused damage to my car", but you could just tell "I am interested in that car and I want to ask the owner if he wants to sell it". It was even crazier, different Cantons had entire lists on their website with cars, license plates and owners ... That time is behind you. This information is no longer issued to ordinary 'citizens', the file is only accessible to the police, tax authorities and similar official government bodies.