Swiss vote on electronic identity cards for the second time

Voters in Switzerland go to the polls on Sunday to decide on the introduction of electronic identity cards.

The plan has already been approved by the two councils, and the Swiss government recommends a yes.

This is the second poll in the country on this issue after voters rejected the idea in 2021 amid concerns about data protection, and the incompleteness that the proposed system will be largely operated by private companies.

Under the revised proposal, the new system will remain in the hands of the public, and data on electronic identifiers will be stored on smartphones for users instead of a central, and that will be optional.

Citizens can still choose to rely on the national identity card, which was standard in Switzerland for decades.

To reduce privacy concerns, there will be no specific authority to obtain information – proving age or nationality for example – only able to check these specific details.

Supporters say that the system will make life much easier for everyone, allowing all kinds of bureaucratic procedures – from obtaining a phone contract to proving that you are old to buy a bottle of wine – on the Internet quickly.

But Switzerland has a long tradition in protecting the privacy of its citizens. Banking secrecy laws, which are now diluted, are now designed to protect the individual’s financial affairs from the eyes of the intrusive state.

For years, Google Street View was controversial in Switzerland, and even today, following a ruling issued by the Swiss Federal Court, the photos taken near schools, women’s shelters, hospitals or prisons should be unclear before connecting to the Internet.

There are also much fewer CCTV cameras in Switzerland from many of its European neighbors.

Electronic identity cards, who have collected sufficient signatures to force another referendum on this issue, argue that this measure may undermine individual privacy as well.

They also fear that although new restrictions on how to collect and store data, it can still be used to track people and for marketing purposes.

However, the latest opinion polls show that the voters may be ready this time to give an electronic identification opportunity.

They had already experienced the Covid ID, which was used during the epidemic to show the vaccination and was mandatory to enter restaurants and bars.

Initial doubts turned to contentment, when people realized that they had allowed them, finally, to go out again.

As for concerns about personal data marketing, most of them are Swiss have smartphones and they are eager to social media.

Many voters realize that technology giants are already reaping and hating them, so we believe that allowing the Swiss authorities to verify some details from time to time cannot make a big difference.