The current state of digitalization does not only evoke positive feelings. On the one hand, there are clear efforts by public authorities and the private sector to offer more services digitally and conveniently. On the other hand, the multitude of apps, accounts, passwords, and procedures can quickly lead to a crisis for users. Some important documents are still sent by post, others as PDFs by e-mail. Making data usable and processing it digitally is a huge challenge for organizations of all kinds.
What is missing everywhere is data that can be trusted: there is a need for digital documents that can be exchanged easily and securely, whose origin can be verified, and which can be controlled by the user.
Swiss e-ID with a new concept and a trust infrastructure
Now things are about to improve: the Swiss e-ID is on the horizon, and with it a «trust infrastructure» that has the potential to solve many of the problems associated with digitalization.
The first attempt to introduce a digital Swiss identity card was made in 2021. Back then, however, the voters clearly said «no» to the associated e-ID Act. The reason was not a negative attitude toward the digital ID itself, but toward the plan to have the e-ID issued and managed by private companies.
The failure was recognized as an opportunity and a participatory process was initiated that led to a new, promising e-ID concept. At the end of September, Swiss cititzens will again vote for or against the e-ID. In contrast to the «2021 edition», practically all important organizations, associations, and parties now support the e-ID. There are still points of criticism in terms of content, but they are not very convincing compared to the opportunities that present themselves. The advantages clearly outweigh the disadvantages.
But how can the e-ID drive digitalization? To answer this question, you have to understand what exactly is being built.
Users retain control over their data
The e-ID is a state-issued digital ID. Individuals will be able to use the e-ID to identify themselves for digital services offered by public administration and private providers. The special feature here is the principle of data minimization. For example, it is possible to provide proof of age or «proof of humanity» without having to disclose other data. This allows a social media platform to check whether a user is a human (and not a bot) and is allowed to access adult content without the user having to provide further personal information. And just as with the analog ID card, the federal government itself cannot see how and where the e-ID is used.
These possibilities result from a technical implementation that is based on the principle of Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI). Digital credentials such as the e-ID are stored directly in a digital wallet on the user's device. The wallet allows individuals to use the information in the credentials, while cryptographic keys on a publicly accessible database serve as proof of validity. With SSI, data exchange is secure and remains completely under the control of the user.
The e-ID is an infrastructure project because it provides SSI-based tools for issuing, storing, and verifying digital credentials. The exciting thing is that these tools enable much more than «just» an e-ID. They provide the option of issuing and checking any other digital credentials.
The trust infrastructure as a catalyst for digitalization
Based on the trust infrastructure, further state-issued digital credentials are planned, such as a driver's license or confirmation of place of residence. But ecosystems of digital credentials can also emerge, with private and public organizations issuing their own credentials and using the credentials of others. For example, tickets, training certificates, employee IDs, proof of medical examinations, and much more can be forwarded directly to users.
Each of these digital credentials opens up new possibilities for process digitization. Opening a bank account only requires a single query to a wallet, proof of education can be sent along with an electronic job application, and purchasing a parking permit or accessing a gym no longer requires a separate app. The data exchange is direct and transparent: the user can immediately see which data is being requested. Platforms that manage user data (and often use it for their own purposes) will become at least partially redundant. Especially in areas with critical and particularly sensitive data, there are many new, secure and data-minimizing use cases.
What challenges still need to be solved?
The path to this future also holds challenges, e.g., with regard to the further choice of technology, interoperability within Switzerland and internationally, consistent data protection through intelligent technological and legal decisions, the inclusion of disadvantaged or digitally less experienced people, and adoption by the masses. All of these challenges are known and are being tackled at various levels in order to lay a sustainable foundation for the digital age.
But what will happen if the Swiss citizens reject the e-ID Act again? The technology will nevertheless become generally accepted, it is gaining ground worldwide. However, without its own infrastructure and state-issued e-ID, it will be more difficult for Switzerland to assert its digital sovereignty over the world's major technology companies.
With all the possibilities, it is time for companies and organizations to consider what opportunities the trust infrastructure offers. And users can look forward to a digital future with more positive feelings and fewer digitally induced crises.
This article was originally published in the Top500 edition of Computerworld in September 2025.
