Swiss government makes new attempt at introducing e-ID

The Swiss parliament will begin debating a new bill to introduce electronic proof of identity (e-ID) on Thursday, three years after voters rejected similar proposals in a referendum. This time, however, the government is proposing a state solution. The government is the first to vote on the draft bill. The federal government said in November when presenting the legislation that the e-ID should be available from 2026. The use of e-ID would to be voluntary, free of charge and valid both on the internet and in everyday life, for example when ordering a digital criminal record or as proof of age when buying alcohol in a shop. +‘Electronic identity will make life easier for Swiss Abroad’ All federal services for which the e-ID can be used should also continue to be offered in analogue form. At the same time, all Swiss authorities must accept the e-ID as valid proof of identity, provided they authorise electronic proof of identity in principle. Security concerns tipped the scales against ...