In some European countries, the authorities are taking rigorous action against film and music piracy. Even downloading a single file can lead to fines, criminal proceedings and warnings.
In Switzerland, the legal situation is somewhat different. Here, you can download or stream certain content from the internet without paying for it under certain circumstances.
In Switzerland, individuals are still free to download whatever files they like for their own private use (except for software and video games).
Note that uploading or seeding a copyrighted work, which was a misdemeanor under the previous law, remains illegal.
source: With P2P law, Switzerland reaffirms its commitment to privacy
What makes Software different? Is there specific law for it?
See my other comment, it’s explicitely stated in 19.4 of the Act on Copyright
4 This Article does not apply to computer programs.
