Volt says YES to e-ID

In September, Switzerland will vote again on e-ID. The new proposal stipulates that the federal government will issue the e-ID, which should increase trust. The e-ID serves as digital identity verification and is stored decentrally on the user's device to ensure security. We at Volt naturally support this solution, as we are calling for e-IDs based on the Estonian model throughout Europe.

Sep 1, 2025
Screenshots der SWIYU App, die für die E-ID verwendet werden würde.

After the first attempt at an electronic identity card (e-ID) was rejected by the Swiss people in 2021, we will now vote on a new, revised proposal in September. Unlike the previous version, the new e-ID will be issued and operated by the federal government, not by a private company. This creates trust and control in the solution. The e-ID serves as a simple, digital means of identity verification and can also be used as identification in everyday life when linked to your smartphone. A key security feature is that the e-ID is stored directly on your device. It cannot be easily transferred or stolen, as both the device and your passwords are required for access.

  • Voluntary: Use of the e-ID is entirely voluntary. Those who do not need it do not have to use it. It offers opportunities for anyone who wants to simplify their digital dealings with public authorities.

  • Infrastructure for more: The infrastructure that has been set up could also be used for other digital documents such as driving licences, health insurance cards or membership cards.

  • Digitalisation push: E-ID is an important step towards the digitalisation of Switzerland, which could also drive forward future projects such as digital voting.

  • High security standards: Security standards are high thanks to local storage on the user's own device and password protection.

Conclusion

The new e-ID offers a voluntary opportunity to advance digitalisation in Switzerland and make everyday life easier for many people. The revision has taken the security concerns raised in the last vote seriously, with the e-ID now being issued by the federal government and the data stored decentrally on the device. From a technical point of view, we are convinced by the solution, as it has been modelled on the example of digital pioneer Estonia, as we have been calling for for years.

Sources

Bildquelle: https://www.eid.admin.ch/de