What’s an ‘e-ID’?
The proposed ‘e-ID’ is an electronic proof of identity that can be loaded onto a smartphone app and used in a variety of ways.
How will it be used?
The ‘e-ID’ has a few potential uses.
First, it can be used to prove identity at those times when carrying the existing Swiss identification card may be impractical – think purchasing alcohol or other restricted products.
READ MORE: Do you have to carry your Swiss ID card with you at all times?
The e-ID could also be used as an additional means of proving identity when accessing government services, such as ordering a passport or registering for benefits.
Several cantons are already testing the technology – for instance, it is already being used in a pilot program to store the learner permits of drivers in Appenzell Outer Rhoden.
How will it be obtained?
Swiss citizens and residents will be able to obtain an ‘e-ID’ by using the app to take a photo of their existing national identification card and a selfie.
Facial recognition technology will be used to verify the user’s identity at the Federal Office of Police and the ‘e-ID’ will then be activated within the app, proving its validity.
What about the data, where will it be stored?
Privacy concerns have been a large part of the debate over ‘e-ID’.
To assuage concerns, it has been decided that a ‘decentralized’ model will be used, with most relevant data being stored on smartphone devices, rather than a central server or servers.
Frequent checks of the system by outside bodies to test for vulnerabilities are also planned.
Will it be compulsory? Will it cost anything?
At this point, no – however, that could change after several years of testing and refinement.
Nor will it replace existing passports or identity cards, and it will be free of charge.
What has happened now, exactly?
An electronic form of identification has been the subject of political campaigning in Switzerland since 2021, when a first referendum failed, largely due to security concerns.
A second campaign for an ‘e-ID’ commenced in 2023, successfully passing the referendum stage, and it has now been approved by both the Federal Council (passing 43 to 1) and most recently on Tuesday by the Council of States (passing 44 to 1).
When could we see the ‘e-ID’ introduced?
While the legal foundation of a proposed electronic identity has been established there are still some details that need to be finalised.
Additionally, testing and further development of the smartphone app will need to be completed.
Ultimately, the Federal Council expects that it will be available sometime in 2026.
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