After a previous proposal’s rejection in a 2021 referendum, the Swiss parliament is revisiting the introduction of a state-backed electronic ID system (e-ID).
The previous legislation meant to establish a digital ID system was rejected based on concerns about security and the involvement of the private sector, according to a report from SWI. A new piece of legislation proposes to address those concerns, and would make the federal government responsible for issuing the digital IDs and establishing the required infrastructure.
Use of the proposed e-ID would be voluntary and free of charge, and would be treated as being equally valid to a traditional, physical ID. Users would be able to leverage the e-ID for things like obtaining government records and for proving their age when purchasing alcohol.
The federal government is also promising to give users the “greatest possible control” over their data with respect to the digital ID.
Discussion of the proposed legislation to establish the e-ID began today, after a parliamentary committee unanimously approved it last month in a 21-0 vote. But the consultation committee has proposed multiple modifications aimed at further protecting users’ personal data, such as by enabling users of the e-ID to prove their age without having to share accompanying information.
Meanwhile, the country already has a digital ID option called SwissID, but it is essentially a private solution offered by a consortium of companies. SwissID allows users to access various online services securely, including government services, with a single login. It represents an effort to provide a digital identity solution that simplifies online transactions and interactions for Swiss residents.
However, it’s important to note that SwissID is not a government-run digital identity system. Its adoption is voluntary, and the service is positioned as a private-sector initiative to provide secure and straightforward access to online services.
Source: SWI swissinfo.ch
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March 14, 2024 – by Alex Perala
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