Switzerland will vote on its e-ID: the referendum in success

Switzerland is preparing to vote on its digital identity. A referendum divides the country on the challenges of data protection and modernization.

The Swiss will vote on the E-ID: the referendum against the federal law on electronic identity has formally succeeded. The Federal Chancellery noted, after verification, that 55,344 of the submitted signatures are valid.

A total of 55,683 signatures were filed within the referendum period against the federal law of December 20, 2024 on electronic identity and other means of electronic evidence (E-ID law), the federal chancellery announces on Wednesday. The referendum has therefore formally succeeded.

Right

On Wednesday, the referendum committee “E-ID non” law welcomes in an “important stage” statement, in the name of privacy. It is notably supported by the UDF, the young UDC, the friends of the Constitution and Aufrecht, joined by Swiss digital integrity, the new party from a crisis within the Swiss Pirate Party.

No less than three groups launched a referendum against the new law. In a separate press release, the Pirate Party is delighted with a democratic success, considering itself the “leader of the referendum and critical voice from the start”. The movement opposed to Mass-Voll anti-Cavid measures had deposited 15,000 signatures.

In mid-April, the deposit in Bern of signatures against the new electronic identity had degenerated into insults and blow. The president of the Mass-Voll movement, Nicolas Rimoldi, had slapped UDF politician Samuel Kullmann. The two men accused each other of insults.

first swept project

For the main referendary committee, the new E-ID law repeats the errors of 2021, when a first project was swept in the ballot boxes. The question of the protection of personal data and the management of electronic identity by private people had tipped the balance, following a referendum launched by organizations active in digital, supported by the left and the Pirate Party.

The Federal Council returned to the charge. Free and optional, the new E-ID should allow an extract of the criminal record on the Internet, a driver’s license or prove its age when buying alcohol. And she will be in public hands.

Parliament gave the green light last December. The E-ID should come into force at the earliest in 2026. (Jah/ATS)

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