Swiss Digital ID Faces New Referendum Challenge

Referendum committee submits 63,000 signatures opposing new e-ID legislation, citing privacy and surveillance concerns

A referendum committee submitted 63,000 signatures to the Federal Chancellery opposing the new e-ID legislation.
The opposing coalition argues the new law lacks genuine state control and relies on private parties for issuance.
Opponents claim the e-ID could facilitate a 'social credit system' and restrict access to services based on behavior.
Swiss voters previously rejected a digital identity law in March 2021 due to data privacy concerns.

63,000

signatures submitted

2021

year of previous rejection

"The e-ID could serve as the basis for a social credit system and make access to services dependent on behaviour."
— Referendum Committee

"There is no real state control, because the federal police cannot issue the e-ID without going through private parties."
— Referendum Committee

Democracy Strikes Back: 63,000 Signatures Force Showdown

A referendum committee submitted 63,000 signatures to the Federal Chancellery opposing the new e-ID legislation.
The opposing coalition argues the new law lacks genuine state control and relies on private parties for issuance.
Opponents claim the e-ID could facilitate a 'social credit system' and restrict access to services based on behavior.
Swiss voters previously rejected a digital identity law in March 2021 due to data privacy concerns.

63,000

signatures submitted

2021

year of previous rejection

"The e-ID could serve as the basis for a social credit system and make access to services dependent on behaviour."
— Referendum Committee

"There is no real state control, because the federal police cannot issue the e-ID without going through private parties."
— Referendum Committee