Swiss voters have narrowly approved electronic identity cards in a second national referendum on the issue. In Sunday’s vote, 50.4% supported the e-ID, while 49.6% opposed it, surprising pollsters who had predicted stronger backing for the measure. Voter turnout reached 49.55%, exceeding expectations.
The close outcome brings relief to Switzerland’s major political parties, which had largely endorsed the e-ID plan. Both parliamentary chambers had previously approved the measure by wide margins, and the government had urged citizens to vote in favor.
This marks a reversal from 2021, when voters rejected an earlier e-ID proposal primarily over concerns about private company involvement. Addressing those objections, the Swiss government will now issue the optional digital IDs free of charge.
The Swiss vote followed the UK government’s announcement of its own digital ID plan, which would store identification in smartphone digital wallets using advanced encryption. Over 1.6 million people have signed a petition against the UK’s proposed mandatory e-IDs for workers by 2029.
Swiss authorities say the e-ID will help people verify their identity online, simplifying access to government services or age verification for activities like alcohol purchases. The smartphone-linked ID can also be used in physical settings such as opening bank accounts or entering bars. For security, each e-ID is tied to a single device, requiring replacement if users change phones.
Swiss citizens retain the option to use traditional physical ID cards, which have been available for decades. A biometric ID card containing fingerprints will be introduced by the end of next year.
Opponents raised data protection concerns, warning the system could enable mass surveillance and potentially become compulsory, disadvantaging those without smartphones. The referendum occurred after a coalition of right-wing and privacy-focused parties gathered over 50,000 signatures against the e-ID.
Political scientist Lukas Golder noted on Swiss television that distrust of government solutions has grown since the pandemic, particularly in conservative areas.
The government contends that digital IDs will strengthen Switzerland’s economy by aligning the non-EU nation with neighboring countries. By 2026, all EU citizens should have access to voluntary digital wallets storing IDs, licenses, and diplomas for easier access to public and private services. This open-source system is currently being tested by 550 organizations across the EU, Norway, Iceland, and Ukraine.
Some nations already have established systems. Estonians have used e-IDs for over twenty years for voting, document signing, and accessing services. In Ukraine, approximately 14 million people use the Diia app to store digital documents and handle government transactions like paying fines or renewing licenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about the Swiss vote on electronic identity cards designed to be clear concise and helpful for a wide audience
Beginner Definition Questions
1 What exactly is an electronic identity card
An eID is a secure digital proof of your identity that you can use online Its like a digital version of your physical ID card or passport but for the internet
2 What was the recent vote in Switzerland about
Swiss voters narrowly approved a new law that allows the government to work with private companies to issue and manage these official electronic identity cards
3 Is this a mandatory digital ID for everyone
No it will be voluntary You can choose whether or not you want to get one
4 How is this different from my SwissID login
SwissID is a private login for many websites The new staterecognized eID is intended to be an official governmentbacked digital identity for more serious transactions like filing taxes or accessing your official medical records
Benefits Uses
5 What can I use an eID for
Youll be able to use it for things like
Filing tax returns online quickly
Registering a vehicle
Applying for official documents
Securely accessing your patient data from a doctor
Opening a bank account online
6 What are the main benefits of having one
The main benefits are convenience and security
7 Will this make online services safer
Yes in theory By having a single highly secure method to prove who you are it can be safer than using multiple weaker passwords or sending scanned copies of your passport via email
Common Concerns Problems
8 Why was the vote so close Werent people in favor of it
The vote was close because of significant privacy concerns Many people were worried about giving private companies control over sensitive personal data and the potential for government surveillance
9 What are the biggest risks or concerns
The primary concerns are
Data Privacy Who has access to your data and what they can do with it
