As Switzerland approaches its referendum on electronic identity, the government is attempting to present arguments in favor of the digital ID.
Swiss people are in growing need of a secure electronic proof of identity, including for online shopping, while the eID also strengthens Switzerland’s digital sovereignty and innovation, the Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP) said on Tuesday. The eID would also make interactions between citizens, authorities and businesses secure, simple and efficient, according to the Federal Council and Parliament.
The referendum on the eID Act is scheduled for September 28th. This is the second time that the country is putting digital IDs to a vote: In 2021, Swiss voters rejected a proposed national law for a digital ID due to concerns over the involvement of private companies in managing citizens’ data.
The new proposal has reignited similar concerns over data privacy and government surveillance, with some political parties campaigning against its implementation.
