EVELINE RUTZ Preparations are in full swing: from 2026, Swiss citizens are to be able to identify themselves electronically. e-ID will make it easier for them to use online services provided by the authorities and the private sector. Digital ID will also help with practical, everyday things like buying alcohol. After voters rejected the first concept in March 2021 (“Swiss Review” 6/2022), a new solution has emerged and is enjoying broad support. Under the new system, the state – as opposed to private providers, which was the plan the first time around – is responsible for all the processes. The Confederation will develop, operate and monitor the trust infrastructure. That includes the electronic wallet where people will be able to file their driving licence, qualifications and proof of insurance. The Confederation will also be in charge of distributing e-ID. Sensitive personal data will be better protected and sparingly stored, and the owner will determine with whom it is shared. “Digitale Gesellschaft”, which played a big part in the 2021 no vote, sees “major improvements”. Its demands have been taken up, says managing director Erik Schönenberger, who also has words of praise for the participative procedure adopted by the Federal Administration. “Instead of a business model for private providers, the focus has shifted to public usability”. The e-ID will be free of charge and voluntary. Those who prefer to remain analogue will still be able to identify themselves with their passport or ID card. Supported across the board The Federal Assembly came out resoundingly in favour of the Federal Act on Electronic Identity Credentials and Other Electronic Credentials (eID Act) at the end of 2024. There was unanimity across the political spectrum: Switzerland needs an e-ID to The people are to vote again: yes or no to electronic identification The Confederation aims to bring in electronic identification (e-ID) next year. However, three committees argue that the data protection provisions are inadequate. It’s going to the vote. progress digitally. The Confederation is currently working on the specific implementation of the initiative, involving broad segments of the IT sector, politics and society. The plan is to submit the corresponding ordinance for consultation in the summer. Although the bill is in the home straight, the people will get one more chance to have a say. Three committees, normally diametrically opposed, successfully campaigned for a vote. The Pirate Party, alongside two groups that formed during the pandemic, were instrumental in this. Representatives of the Young SVP Switzerland as well as the Federal Democratic Union of Switzerland (EDU) also played their part in ensuring the referendum came to pass in May 2025. Criticism of the e-ID Act has nothing to do with being left or right of centre, argues campaign leader Jonas Sulzer: “The issue affects everybody.” Still, there was discord among opponents of the Act during the collection of signatures. Some leaders left the Pirate Party following internal conflict and founded a new party, “Digitale Integrität Schweiz” (DIS). It will most likely also play a key role in the campaign. Critics demand more explicit specifications DIS General Secretary Monica Amgwerd fears that the e-ID Act does not do enough to combat potential abuse. It is repeating the mistakes of 2021: “It enables private companies to analyse sensitive personal data via AI, set up behavioural profiles and derive financial gain from that.” Important principles like data minimisation and data protection through technology are not sufficiently embedded in the Act, she says. Moreover, the legal text does not specifically state that the digital ID is voluntary. “People Many groups played a part in the referendum. Pictured from left to right: Nils Fiechter (Young SVP), campaign leader Jonas Sulzer, behind him Roland Bühlmann (“Friends of the Constitution”) and Monika Amgwerd. Photo: Keystone Swiss Review / July 2025 / No.3 24 Politics
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