Swiss Voters Narrowly Approve Electronic Identity Cards in Referendum

Swiss voters have backed plans for electronic identity cards in a tightly contested referendum, with 50.4% supporting the initiative and 49.6% opposed. This close result has surprised pollsters who anticipated stronger backing for the proposal. Voter turnout was also higher than expected at 49.55%, igniting discussions about the future of digital identification in Switzerland. The approval of the electronic ID card (eID) is a relief to the country's major political parties, which have largely endorsed the initiative. Both houses of the Swiss parliament previously supported the eID with significant majorities, and the government had advocated a yes vote. This marks a contrasting outcome to a previous referendum in 2021, where voters rejected the eID due to concerns about the involvement of private companies in the system. In response to those worries, the Swiss state will provide the eID, which will be optional and free of charge. The timing of this referendum coincides with the UK's announcement of plans for a digital ID card, intended to be stored in the digital wallets of smartphones with advanced encryption technology. However, opposition against mandatory eID cards in the UK is notable, with over 16 million individuals signing a petition against a requirement that would affect workers by 2029. Swiss authorities argue that the eID will facilitate online identity verification, improving access to government services, and allowing citizens to prove their age for activities like purchasing alcohol. The eID links to an individual's smartphone and could also be used in face-to-face situations, such as opening bank accounts or verifying age at bars and clubs. Users must acquire new eIDs if they change their smartphones, enhancing security measures. For those preferring traditional methods, physical ID cards, which have been used for decades, will still be available. Starting next year, a biometric ID card featuring fingerprints will also be introduced. Despite governmental assurances, critics have raised concerns over data protection, suggesting that the eID could lead to mass surveillance. There are fears that voluntary participation may eventually become mandatory, especially disadvantaging individuals without smartphones. The referendum was initiated after a coalition of right-wing and data-privacy advocates gathered over 50,000 signatures against the eID card, prompting this democratic vote. Political scientist Lukas Golder shared insights on Swiss public television, noting a growing mistrust of state solutions since the Covid pandemic, particularly among conservative regions of the population. The Swiss government contends that a digital ID system would invigorate the national economy by aligning the country with its European neighbors. By the end of 2026, the goal is for all EU citizens to access a digital wallet, enabling storage of identities, driving licenses, and diplomas, significantly simplifying processes of identity verification for both government and private services. This digital wallet initiative is voluntary and built upon open-source software, currently undergoing testing by 550 authorities and private entities in the EU, Norway, Iceland, and Ukraine. Estonia serves as a historical example, having utilized eID cards for over two decades, allowing digital voting, document signing, and online shopping. Meanwhile, a significant number of Ukrainians—approximately 14 million—use the Diia application to store digital documents and access various government services, showcasing the potential benefits of a modernized identification system. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2