Referendum Special: Digital Identity: Let's become pioneers again, or stay behind
It was January 1, 1995. Switzerland, proud of its precision and innovation, became the first country on the European continent to issue identity cards in "credit card" format: durable, modern, and easy to carry in a wallet. It was a move that set a precedent and made us feel ahead of everyone else. Today, nearly thirty years later, the scene […]
It was January 1st, 1995. Switzerland, proud of its precision and innovation, became the first country on the European continent to issue an identity card in "credit card" format: durable, modern, and easy to carry in a wallet.
A gesture that set a standard and made us feel ahead of everyone else.
Today, almost thirty years later, the scene is different. While the countries around us race toward the digital future, we have remained on the sidelines. And on September 28, 2025, we will have a choice: say YES to the Federal E-ID Act and bring Switzerland back up to speed… or say NO and accept becoming the tail-end of the continent.
From yesterday's "no" to today's "yes"
Many will remember the 2021 vote: a similar idea, but with a fatal flaw—management would have been entrusted to private companies. The people said NO.
Today the scenario has radically changed:
• The E-ID will be issued and managed by the Confederation, via FedPol.
• Data will remain in Switzerland, in federal data centers.
• Its use will be (rightly) optional and free of charge.
To safeguard our digital identity, there will be Swiyu, the official and secure app designed to be our digital wallet. (It is already possible to test on smartphones for iOS and Android for those who want to learn more)
Examples of a day with the E-ID
☀️ Morning – You receive an email: "Your phone contract is ready to sign." Open the Swiyu app, confirm your identity and… done.
🏦 Midday – Need to open a new bank account? The E-ID shares only the necessary data with the bank, securely and immediately.
📄 Afternoon – Need to prove you are over 18 for an online purchase? The E-ID transmits only the confirmation of your age.
📚 Tomorrow – Diplomas, driver's license, health insurance card? All already in your digital wallet.
And around us?
Our neighbors are not waiting for us:
• Italy: SPID and CIE open the door to public and private services.
• France: FranceConnect+ connects millions of citizens to taxes, social security, and healthcare.
• Germany: eID integrated into the identity card for public services and companies.
• Austria: ID Austria for accessing and signing digital contracts.
• Liechtenstein: eID.li already compatible with European systems.
Standing still would mean having to rely on foreign solutions for a service that should be public and sovereign.
Safety first
With the E-ID:
• You decide which data to share and with whom.
• No one can link your different transactions.
• It costs nothing and is not mandatory.
5 good reasons to say YES
1. Modernity: Realignment of Switzerland with European standards.
2. Sovereignty: Everything under public control, in Switzerland and not in the EU.
3. Security: No more photocopies and insecure sending of documents.
4. Efficiency: Fast procedures, less bureaucracy.
5. Innovation: The foundation for the digital services of the future.
📅 On September 28, 2025, we vote a convinced YES to the E-ID Act
Because the future doesn't wait. And Switzerland deserves to be a pioneer again, just as it was in 1995
More info: https://eid-svizzera-si.ch/