Voters in Switzerland will go to the polls on Sunday to determine whether the country should introduce a nationwide system of electronic identity cards, in what marks the second national referendum on the issue.
The proposal comes three years after a similar plan was rejected in 2021, largely over data privacy concerns and fears about private sector involvement in managing the system.
Under the revised plan, the electronic ID scheme would be entirely optional and run solely by the state. Personal data would be stored on users’ smartphones rather than in a centralised database, with authorities only able to access specific details such as proof of age or nationality.
Both houses of Parliament have approved the plan, and the Swiss government is strongly recommending a “yes” vote.
Supporters argue the e-ID would simplify bureaucratic processes, from signing a mobile phone contract to verifying age for alcohol purchases, making everyday transactions faster and more convenient.
Opponents, however, remain cautious, warning that even with safeguards in place, the system could weaken Switzerland’s strong privacy traditions and potentially open the door to data misuse or commercial exploitation.
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Switzerland has historically taken a strict stance on privacy, from its banking secrecy laws to court rulings restricting Google Street View. The country also has fewer CCTV cameras than many of its European neighbours.
Recent opinion polls suggest public attitudes may have shifted since the COVID-19 pandemic, during which a government-issued digital certificate was widely used to access restaurants, bars, and public events. Initial scepticism gave way to broader acceptance as people experienced the convenience of digital verification.
The referendum comes as the United Kingdom pursues its own digital ID initiative, aimed primarily at tackling illegal migration, though with narrower applications than the Swiss proposal.
If approved, the e-ID system would complement rather than replace Switzerland’s long-established physical identity cards, giving citizens the option to choose between the two.