The Swiss will probably have to speak out on electronic identity. The Mass-Voll group announced Thursday that it was launching a referendum against e-ID.
Digital monitoring and control are becoming more and more extensive. The Swiss people put an end to it and rejected the e-ID in 2021 with 64% saying no, recalls the group resulting from the pandemic. “In complete disregard of the will of the people, parliament still wants to introduce e-ID. This is unacceptable!”, says Mass-Voll.
He is also opposed to the fact that referendums and initiatives can only be signed with an electronic identity, and no longer by hand. “This means that without a smartphone, there is no participation in democracy.” Mass-Voll does not accept this “massive reduction of popular rights”.
The collection of signatures begins this Thursday, specifies the group. He has until April 19 to collect 50,000 signatures. The group, which launched the referendum in 2023 against the extension of the covid certification act, says it is optimistic about the possibility of collecting the necessary signatures.
-A free device
The new electronic identity (e-ID) issued by the Confederation will make it possible to prove one’s identity simply, securely and quickly. Anyone who has a Swiss identity card or passport, or a residence permit for foreigners, can request an e-ID, online or from the passport service.
The Federal Council estimates that the e-ID could be available from 2026. It will be possible to use it on the Internet, for example to request an extract from the criminal record, a driving license or a certificate of residence. But also in the physical world via a smartphone application, for example to prove your age when purchasing alcohol. It will be free.
