What is the New e-ID?

The e-ID, or electronic identity, is intended to serve as a digital equivalent of the traditional identity card, enabling secure and efficient authentication in a wide variety of online contexts. Built around the principle of data sovereignty, the new e-ID allows users to choose where their electronic credentials are stored, and which specific data to share during a verification process.

Who Issues the New e-ID?

The Swiss government will administer the e-ID system, placing a strong emphasis on security, privacy, and user control. Specifically, the Swiss Federal Police will be responsible for issuing the e-ID, without involvement from private intermediaries.

The shift towards a government issued e-ID was made following an earlier proposal building on private e-ID providers, which was rejected in a referendum in 2021. The government has emphasized that the e-ID will be provided free of charge and that its infrastructure and data management will remain under public control, addressing concerns that arose during previous debates about private sector involvement.

How Can the e-ID be Obtained?

Swiss citizens and eligible residents will be able to apply for their e-ID through a streamlined online portal or, where necessary, in person at designated offices. The application process includes identity verification, which may involve biometric checks, cross-referencing with existing government records, and the presentation of valid identification documents. This multi-layered approach aims to ensure that only eligible individuals are granted an e-ID, thereby reducing the risk of identity fraud from the outset.

How Does the New e-ID Work?

Once issued, the e-ID will be stored in a secure digital wallet application on the user’s smartphone or other compatible device. The digital wallet is designed to meet high security standards, including encryption and strong authentication methods such as a PIN or biometric data. Through this wallet, users can present their e-ID when accessing participating online services, from signing legal documents and opening bank accounts to verifying age for age-restricted purchases or participating in e-government services. The system supports selective disclosure, meaning users have the ability to share only the specific information required for a given transaction, further strengthening privacy protections.

All electronic credentials will operate within a state-run trust infrastructure consisting of two registers, the base register and the trust register. The base register allows verifiers to check whether a credential is authentic, unaltered, and not revoked. The trust register confirms the identity and role of the entity that issued or verified the credential. Additionally, the federal government will provide an app for both issuing and verifying electronic credentials.

How Can Businesses Use the New e-ID?

Businesses stand to gain considerably from the introduction of the e-ID. The e-ID will allow companies to verify the identities of customers quickly and reliably, reducing administrative overhead and the potential for human error. This is particularly relevant in sectors where regulatory compliance is critical, such as financial services, healthcare and telecommunications. The e-ID can be integrated into digital onboarding processes, making it easier for customers to open accounts, sign contracts, or access secure services remotely.

Businesses can act as verifiers, accepting the e-ID as a valid form of identification, or as issuers, supplying verified information—such as proof of membership, employment, qualifications, insurance policies, bank account ownership or professional licenses—that can be linked to a user’s e-ID. This ecosystem approach paves the way for new business models and digital services that rely on trusted digital identities.

What Are the Key Responsibilities of Businesses?

Under the new e-ID Act, businesses integrating the e-ID system into their operations must comply with strict data protection and transparency obligations. Companies are required to process only the personal data necessary for each transaction, inform users about how their data will be used, and implement robust security measures to protect that information.

Businesses may request e-ID data only when legally required or strictly necessary for the transaction, and holders retain control over which data is shared. For instance, in case of age verification, individuals may choose to only share the fact that they comply with the age requirement (e.g. «above 18 years old» rather than sharing the full date of birth). Storing data generated during e-ID verification is prohibited unless the user gives explicit consent. If a physical ID is preferred, it must be accepted.

When issuing electronic credentials, businesses must ensure accuracy, rectify or delete incorrect data, and adhere to formats and standards defined by the Federal Office of Justice. Credentials intended for verification via the state app must meet additional criteria and be approved for integration.

The Swiss Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner oversees compliance and addresses complaints, ensuring that user privacy is safeguarded throughout all business interactions with the e-ID system. In light of the bill’s narrow approval and widespread skepticism, monitoring the e-ID system will be of crucial importance.

How Can Individuals Benefit?

For individuals, the e-ID promises to offer a more convenient and secure way to manage digital interactions with both public and private entities. The voluntary nature of the e-ID means that users can choose whether or not to adopt this new technology, and traditional identification methods will remain available for those who prefer them. The e-ID also gives users greater control over their personal information, as they can decide what data to share in each transaction. At the same time, individuals must take care to protect their digital wallets and remain vigilant against potential security threats, such as phishing or unauthorized access.

When Will the New e-ID Be Implemented?

The implementation of the e-ID is expected to proceed in stages. The initial phase, scheduled to begin in mid-2026, will focus on establishing the technical infrastructure and launching public awareness campaigns to inform citizens about the e-ID’s features and benefits. As the system becomes operational, further enhancements and integrations with additional services are planned, with the aim of developing a comprehensive and user-friendly electronic identification platform over time.