Switzerland unveils state-run digital ID system following voter rejection in 2021
The self-sovereign digital ID, provided at no cost to Swiss citizens and foreign residents with work permits, emphasises state control, robust data protection, and key principles such as self-sovereign identity and privacy by design.
Switzerland announces plans for a new state-run digital identity system, slated for launch in 2026 after voters rejected a private initiative in 2021 due to personal data protection concerns. The self-sovereign digital ID, which prioritizes state control and data protection, will be governed by the Federal Act on Electronic Identity Credentials and Other Electronic Credentials (E-ID Act).
Justice Minister Elisabeth Baume-Schneider assures that the solution is ‘100 percent state-run’ and guided by principles such as self-sovereign identity, privacy by design, and decentralized data storage. The voluntary and free-of-charge system will be available to Swiss citizens and foreign residents with work permits.
The digital ID will store various smartphone credentials and will be obtained through a government-provided app, ensuring security through verification processes run by the Federal Office of Police (Fedpol).
Why does it matter?
The recently implemented government-controlled digital ID system will coexist with ongoing initiatives like SwissID, overseen by Swiss Post since 2017. SwissID already facilitates access to 200 online service applications provided by Swiss companies and public authorities. By promoting digital ID systems, the Confederation establishes the groundwork for Switzerland’s shift towards digital transformation.
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