Swiss Voters Narrowly Approve e‑ID Amid Legal Challenge

Swiss voters narrowly approved a state-run electronic ID scheme in a referendum, with 50.4% voting yes to 49.6% no and turnout around 49–50%. The redesigned plan — following a 2021 rejection over privacy fears — makes the e‑ID optional, free, managed by the federal state, with credentials stored decentrally on users’ smartphones and data‑minimisation safeguards. Supporters say it will streamline services such as age checks, opening bank accounts and accessing government services, and both chambers of parliament and the Federal Council back the reform. Opponents warned of cybersecurity and surveillance risks and have launched legal challenges alleging illegal campaigning by state-linked Swisscom and calling for the result to be annulled. The result showed regional divides, with French-speaking cantons more favourable and many German-speaking areas opposed, and analysts say turnout dynamics, including a concurrent tax ballot, shaped the razor-thin margin. Implementation is planned before the end of next year, but the government’s privacy safeguards may face further political and judicial tests.