Electronic identity (eID) is a hot topic in Switzerland. It would allow for online identification and would be useful for making purchases or obtaining services.
On 7 March 2021, Switzerland voted on the law on the eID, or digital passport. The initiative was overwhelmingly rejected, with 64.36% no, against 35.64% yes. No canton voted in favour.
Let's go back to the pros and cons of such a change and try to explain the reasons for this failure.
The eID, the basic intent:
Consistency and safety. It would be simpler and safer to assert one's identity on the Internet during certain transactions or when using services.
As we know, it is already possible (and mandatory in some cases) to be identified online. When you take out a consumer loan , for example.
However, these identification procedures are managed by private companies. Some are banks and are not regulated by law. The eID would have made it possible to overcome this.
The aim of the Act was to introduce an electronic identification system, which was recognised by the Confederation.
However, it is worth noting that the term "digital passport" is not correct. It identifies a person in a precise and defined way in the digital world but does not act as an official identity card.
Why such a rejection on the part of the population?
The main reason: the means used to obtain an eID.
If the 'yes' vote had won, the Confederation would have granted the implementation of the eID to private companies (as well as the cantons and municipalities). This did not sit well with the population who did not want their personal and sensitive data to be managed and used by such companies.
For example, the Confederation is alleged to have provided personal data to SwissSign. This entity collects, among other things, data for SBB, Swiss Post, Swisscom, Credit Suisse, UBS and currently has 1.7 million people registered for their SwissID.
The Confederation had planned to create three "official data sets".
A first level, of "low trust", which would contain the surname, marital status, first names, date of birth and eID number.
A second level, of "substantial trust", which would add nationality, place of birth and gender.
Finally, a 3rd level, of "high trust", which includes a passport photo.
These three levels of personal data would be charged to certified eID providers for an undisclosed amount.
And elsewhere? :
The example of Liechtenstein.
On 29 April 2020, Liechtenstein began the implementation of its new electronic identification system, simply called "eID". It thus replaced the previous "lilog" and "lisign" systems, whose intent was more or less identical to the eID.
The benefits of a system like this are numerous. Some examples:
- It is no longer necessary for Liechtensteiners to physically sign certain official documents.
- They can do this outside of business hours.
- This is adapted to health contexts where travel is not advised, or even prohibited.
Belgium and Luxembourg:
The population has an identity card with an electronic chip. Also, through the use of software recognized by the states, the remote identification of people has been widespread for several years and used by many companies and government authorities.
And now?
It is highly likely that a new project will be presented in the near future. For once, without the intervention of private companies in the issuance of digital passports.
The use of eID is already taking place in many companies today, it is only a matter of time before it is regulated by the federal government.
