Digital ID plans divide politicians and civil society
Parliament has approved the creation of a digital ID to certify the identity of users of internet services, but critics are planning to challenge the decision by forcing a nationwide vote.
This content was published on
3 minutes
swissinfo.ch/urs
Deutsch
de
Der tiefe Graben zwischen Volk und Politik bei der eID
Original
The law foresees limiting the role of the state to act as a licensing authority for technical ID systems developed by the private sector. A federal commission is to oversee the procedures and activities of the ID providers.
The law also defines a staggered system of security levels, but it does not specify whether mobile phones, smart cards, or other solutions will be allowed.
So far, a consortium of state-owned companies, banks, insurance companies and the telecoms company Swisscom is the only provider of electronic IDs.
A first pilot project to set up a user-friendly single point of entry to digital services, SuisseID, was started nine years ago, but it failed to take off and an amended version was relaunched under the name of SwissIDExternal link in 2017.
Experts say Switzerland is lagging behind other European countries when it comes to creating a system for the digital identification of citizens or organisations to give access to online services offered by commercial companies or the state.
Several organisations supported by the Green Party have announced they will force a referendum on the new law, which will come about if they collect at least 50,000 signatures by next January.
They said the legal regulations are not a political compromise, but that parliament caved in to pressure from the business community at the expense of democracy.
“Instead of taking into account the wishes of the people, the government and parliament refuse to take responsibility for a crucial state task,” the NGO Digital SocietyExternal link said.
The organisation argues that an opinion poll published last May found Swiss citizens want the state to be the only provider of a digital ID.
It’s the second time in the current autumn session that opponents of a legal reform have announced plans to challenge a parliamentary decision to a nationwide vote.
Last week, environmental groups, supported by left-wing parties, said they will collect the necessary signatures to force a public ballot on a reform of the hunting law, which would make it easier to hunt protected species, notably wolves.
More
More
Just one password? Swiss groups plan single online identity
This content was published on
Swiss consumers will be able to use a single digital identity to buy online products and services.
First large-scale alpine solar plant approved in Switzerland
This content was published on
The approval was met with satisfaction by the project's organisers, but it also brings with it a certain amount of pressure.
Medieval squirrels may have ‘helped spread leprosy’
This content was published on
An examination of squirrel remains in the United Kingdom has opened up interesting questions and possibilities in terms of the history of the disease.
Swiss money laundering office registers record number of reports
This content was published on
The Money Laundering Reporting Office Switzerland (MROS) registered a record number of reports of suspicious activity last year.
Two teens accused of planning terror attack released from custody
This content was published on
The Schaffhausen judiciary has released the two teenagers from custody who allegedly planned bomb attacks in Switzerland.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Licensed identification system set to ease online business
This content was published on
The Swiss government has presented plans for the introduction of a licensed electronic identity card for users of online services.
Swiss government launches platform to ease red tape for business
This content was published on
The Swiss government has launched an online portal aimed at bundling together in one place various bureaucratic procedures that companies face.
Switzerland sets legal foundations for blockchain industry
This content was published on
The Swiss government has announced a wide-ranging blockchain strategy that aims to create a legal foundation for the new technology.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.