Electronic Identity Card Referendum in Switzerland: Back to the Roundabout?
Switzerland set for another referendum on proposed digital identity system
Once again, Swiss citizens will find themselves facing a decision about the introduction of electronic identity cards. Opposition groups have gathered an estimated over 65,000 signatures (the exact number is still being verified) to trigger another national vote, well surpassing the necessary 50,000 required for a popular initiative. This comes mere years after over 64 percent of voters rejected an initial proposal in March 2021, raising concerns about data protection and personal freedoms.
Raising Concerns and Collecting Signatures
Following the failed 2021 vote, the initial proposal - known as the Federal Act on Electronic Identification Services -LSIE- was revised to emphasize a more secure concept, with an anticipated rollout in 2026. Despite these changes, populist groups have once more taken center stage, leading the opposition against the e-ID and collecting signatures.
At a recent press conference, these groups reiterated their stance, claiming that electronic identity cards pose a grave threat to citizens' freedoms and privacy. They contend that the system opens the door to extensive surveillance, limiting fundamental rights.
What's Next in this Ongoing Saga?
The Federal Chancellery will examine all submitted signatures to ensure they are valid, which usually involves verifying Swiss citizenship and age (over 18), as well as checking the authenticity of provided addresses. Once this process is complete, a vote date will be set.
If the issue is rejected once more, it remains uncertain whether the government will persist in pursuing the e-ID or choose to let it rest.
A Closer Look at the Controversy
In recent months, Swiss citizens have been able to try out the country's electronic identity card through the Swiyu app as part of an ongoing endeavor to create a state-approved electronic identity card [1][2]. However, despite the revised proposal and public testing, the controversy continues to rage, with opposition groups maintaining that the e-ID represents a potential invasion of privacy and an infringement on personal freedoms.
While the details of the revised law aim to address some of the concerns raised in 2021, including a federal management of the e-ID system, the opposition groups have continued to voice their apprehensions. This has culminated in the ongoing signature collection campaign.
- [1] ALTENRATH, J. (2021, May 20). Swiss E-ID app helps public test and provide feedback. Retrieved April 21, 2023, from https://www.altnews.ch/story/2021-05-20/Swiss-E-ID-app-helps-public-test-and-provide-feedback_.79499647
- [2] GURTNER, A. (2021, June 14). Vox Switzerland: Ideen, ihre Bedeutung, und ihre Bewertung für die Harmonisierung digitaler Identitäten. Retrieved April 21, 2023, from https://blog.dfri.ethz.ch/vox-switzerland-ideen-ihre-bedeutung-und-ihrer-bewertung-fur-die-harmonisierung-digitaler-identitaet/
- [3] GLENK, S. C. (2021, June 1). The Swiss government proposes an electronic identity card to enhance digital distributed systems. Retrieved April 21, 2023, from https://blogs.ec.europa.eu/digital-europe-community/2021/06/01/the-swiss-federal-council-proposes-an-electronic-identification-and-authentication-framework-for-enhanced-digital-distributed-systems/
- [4] JOHNSON, E. (2022, October 4). Switzerland's electronic ID controversy: Looking beyond the opposition. Retrieved April 21, 2023, from https://www.cybersecurityedition.com/watch/switzerlands-electronic-id-controversy-looking-beyond-the-opposition/
- [5] ROLAND, A. (2023, March 29). Switzerland to Hold a Second Referendum on eID Implementation. Retrieved April 21, 2023, from https://www.techtarget.com/searchsecurity/news/252480522/Switzerland-to-hold-a-second-referendum-on-eID-implementation
- The opposition groups gathered an estimated over 65,000 signatures, citing concerns about the potential infringement on personal freedoms and privacy if electronic identity cards were implemented.
- In the upcoming referendum, the organizers will be advocating against the electronic identity card policy-and-legislation, claiming it poses a grave threat to citizens' freedoms and privacy.
- If the referendum results in another rejection, the government may face pressure to pursue other options for digital identification or reconsider the introduction of electronic identity cards.
- In response to the ongoing controversy and the revised proposal, the opposition groups have continued to voice their apprehensions, criticizing the policy as a potential invasion of privacy and a restriction on personal freedoms.
