Recent opinion polls suggest Swiss citizens are increasingly open to adopting the e-ID, especially given their familiarity with digital proof of vaccination during the pandemic.

Supporters argue the e-ID will streamline bureaucratic processes, facilitate quick online verification, and improve access to services like signing contracts and age verification.

In a closely contested referendum, Swiss voters narrowly approved a plan to introduce voluntary electronic identity cards (e-ID), with 50.4% voting in favor.

This marks Switzerland's second nationwide decision on digital IDs, following a rejection of a similar proposal in 2021.

The new digital ID system will be optional, allowing citizens to continue using traditional national ID cards, and data will be stored exclusively on users' smartphones.

Switzerland's decision aligns with international trends, such as the UK's plans for mandatory digital IDs for certain workers and efforts by EU countries to develop digital wallets for IDs, licenses, and diplomas.

The revised proposal ensures the e-ID remains under public control, with data stored locally on smartphones to address privacy concerns that previously led to rejection.

Switzerland's strong privacy laws and cultural attitudes toward privacy, including strict banking secrecy and limited CCTV use, heavily influence public opinion and cautious approach to digital ID adoption.

The system allows authorities to verify specific information, such as age or nationality, without accessing full data, reinforcing privacy protections.

Opponents fear that despite safeguards, digital IDs could still lead to tracking and misuse of personal data, threatening individual privacy.

A coalition of privacy-focused parties successfully gathered signatures to trigger another referendum, citing fears of privacy breaches and potential misuse for tracking and marketing.

Voters had the option to continue using traditional ID cards, which have been in use for decades, with biometric ID cards expected by the end of 2024.