{"id":6149,"date":"2025-09-28T11:56:34","date_gmt":"2025-09-28T11:56:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/friscotimes.org\/?p=6149"},"modified":"2025-09-28T11:56:34","modified_gmt":"2025-09-28T11:56:34","slug":"switzerland-votes-on-electronic-identity-cards-for-second-time","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/friscotimes.org\/?p=6149","title":{"rendered":"Switzerland votes on electronic identity cards for second time"},"content":{"rendered":"


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A referendum in Switzerland to decide whether to introduce electronic identity cards is taking place, with initial projections suggesting voters are evenly split.<\/p>\n

It is the second nationwide ballot on the issue, after the idea was rejected in 2021 over data protection concerns and unease over the proposed system being largely run by private firms.<\/p>\n

Under the revised proposal, the new system would remain entirely optional and in public hands, with data stored on users’ smartphones rather than centrally.<\/p>\n

It comes as the UK government this week announced plans to introduce its own digital ID<\/a> as part of efforts to curb the number of illegal migrants living and working in the country.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The proposed British digital ID would have fewer intended uses<\/a>, but has still raised concerns about privacy and data security.<\/p>\n

Switzerland’s plan has already been approved by both its houses of parliament, and the Swiss government recommends a “Yes” vote.<\/p>\n

Citizens can still choose to rely on a physical national identity card, which has been standard in Switzerland for decades.<\/p>\n

To ease privacy concerns, a particular authority seeking information on a person \u2013 such as proof of age or nationality, for example \u2013 will only be able to check for those specific details.<\/p>\n

Supporters say the system will make life much easier for everyone, allowing a range of bureaucratic procedures – from getting a telephone contract to proving you’re old enough to buy a bottle of wine – to happen quickly online.<\/p>\n

But Switzerland has a long tradition of protecting its citizens’ privacy. The banking secrecy laws, now much diluted, were designed to shield an individual’s personal finances from the prying eyes of the state.<\/p>\n

For years, Google Street View was controversial in Switzerland – and even today, following a ruling by the Swiss Federal Court, images taken close to schools, women’s refuges, hospitals or prisons must be automatically blurred before going online. <\/p>\n

There are also far fewer CCTV cameras in Switzerland than in many of its European neighbours.<\/p>\n

Opponents of digital ID cards, who gathered enough signatures to force another referendum on the issue, argue that this measure could still undermine individual privacy.<\/p>\n

They also fear that, despite the new restrictions on how data is collected and stored, it could still be used to track people and for marketing purposes.<\/p>\n

An early projection while voting continues suggests a 50-50 split over the issue, making the final result – expected late on Sunday – too close to call.<\/p>\n

Opinion polls heading into the referendum suggested voters may be ready to give electronic IDs a chance.<\/p>\n

They have already had experience of the government’s Covid ID, which was used during the pandemic to show vaccination status and was mandatory to enter restaurants and bars.<\/p>\n

And as for the concerns about marketing of personal data, most Swiss have smartphones and are keen users of social media. <\/p>\n

Tech giants are already harvesting their likes and dislikes, so many voters believe that allowing the Swiss authorities to check on a few details from time to time will not make a big difference.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

A referendum in Switzerland to decide whether to introduce electronic identity cards is taking place, with initial projections suggesting voters are evenly split. 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