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.
It 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, and the data on the electronic IDs would be stored on users' smartphones rather than centrally. It would also 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 specific authority seeking information – such as proof of age or nationality – will only be able to check for those particular details.
Supporters argue that the system will significantly simplify various bureaucratic processes, allowing transactions from obtaining a phone contract to buying age-restricted items to be completed swiftly online.
However, in Switzerland, there is a strong tradition of protecting citizens' privacy. Concerns about data misuse persist, especially since issues regarding individual tracking and marketing have been raised by opponents of the initiative.
Despite significant reservations, recent opinion polls indicate a shift towards acceptance of electronic IDs, bolstered by positive experiences with the government's Covid ID during the pandemic. Most Swiss citizens, accustomed to using smartphones and social media, appear to believe that allowing the authorities limited access to some details is a reasonable trade-off.
