Switzerland Reconsiders Electronic Identity Cards in New Vote

Mon Sep 29 2025 00:25:45 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Swiss citizens return to the polls to decide on the introduction of electronic ID cards, addressing previous concerns while promising enhanced convenience.

In a significant move, Switzerland is holding a vote on electronic identity cards for the second time. After prior rejection due to privacy concerns, the new proposal, which ensures data is controlled publicly and stored privately on smartphones, seeks to facilitate bureaucratic processes. While privacy advocates remain cautious, many citizens have become more open to digital IDs following their experiences with the government-issued Covid ID.

Voters in Switzerland are going to the polls on Sunday to decide on the introduction of electronic identity cards. The plan has already been approved by both houses of parliament, and the Swiss government recommends a yes vote.

This is the second nationwide ballot on the issue after voters rejected the idea in 2021 amid concerns over data protection and unease that the proposed system would be run largely by private companies.

Under the revised proposal, the new system would remain entirely in public hands, the data on the electronic IDs would be stored on users' smartphones rather than centrally, and it would be optional. Citizens can still choose to rely on the national identity card, which has been standard in Switzerland for decades.

To ease privacy concerns, a particular authority seeking information – proof of age or nationality for example – will only be able to check for those specific details. Supporters say the system will make life much easier for everyone, enabling all sorts of bureaucratic procedures - from getting a telephone contract to proving you're old enough to buy a bottle of wine - to happen quickly online.

However, Switzerland has a long tradition of protecting its citizens' privacy. The banking secrecy laws, now much diluted, were designed to shield an individual's personal finances from the prying eyes of the state. For years, Google Street View was controversial in Switzerland, and even today, following a ruling by the Swiss Federal Court, images taken close to schools, women's refuges, hospitals, or prisons must be automatically blurred before going online. There are also far fewer CCTV cameras in Switzerland than in many of its European neighbours.

Opponents of electronic ID cards, who gathered enough signatures to force another referendum on the issue, argue that this measure could also undermine individual privacy. They fear that, despite new restrictions on how data is collected and stored, it could still be used to track people and for marketing purposes.

However, latest opinion polls show voters may be ready to give electronic ID a chance this time, as they've already had experience with the government's Covid ID, which was mandatory to enter restaurants and bars during the pandemic. Initial scepticism turned into satisfaction when people realized it allowed them to resume their activities.

As for concerns about personal data marketing, most Swiss are smartphone users and social media enthusiasts who understand that tech giants already gather extensive personal information. Many believe that allowing the Swiss authorities to check their details occasionally won’t drastically change their privacy.