Switzerland misses an important opportunity

Bern, March 7, 2021 – The Alliance for a Swiss e-ID notes with regret that the Swiss electorate’s reservations about the e-ID law have prevailed. By rejecting the e-ID law, Switzerland is missing the opportunity for an autonomous e-ID and more legal certainty in digital identification. It is now up to politicians to find a new solution. The Alliance for a Swiss e-ID is convinced of the need for a state-recognised Swiss e-ID and calls for a swift and constructive dialogue.

The Alliance for a Swiss e-ID has to take note of the fact that after 15 years of deliberation, the e-ID law has not found a majority among the electorate. Unfortunately, we did not succeed in communicating to a majority of the population the importance of a recognised Swiss e-ID and successful digitization. As a result, Switzerland is missing an opportunity to take a big step forward in technological development.

Solution sought that is suitable for a majority
Concerns about the Swiss e-ID during the referendum campaign were manifold and now require in-depth analysis. It is questionable how quickly a new majority-capable solution can be developed and adopted.

Nicolas Bürer, Managing Director of digitalswitzerland, appeals to politicians to resume the dossier quickly and states: “We will continue to work constructively for a Swiss e-ID. We are convinced of the need for a recognised Swiss solution. We need to move forward in the interest of everyone and not lose more ground to other countries.”

“We will continue to work constructively for a Swiss e-ID. We are convinced of the need for a recognised Swiss solution. We need to move forward in the interest of everyone and not lose more ground to other countries.”

Watch news clip about e-ID (in German)