The e-ID is often described as an electronic ID card, i.e., another tool in everyday digital life. In fact, the e-ID is much more than that: it is the first step towards a trust infrastructure that enables secure and efficient digital processes – not only for citizens, but also for companies and public authorities. It can therefore benefit Switzerland as the basis for a digital, sovereign, and innovative society.
Image source: https://www.eid.admin.ch/de/
The trust infrastructure
Why is it about more than just a piece of ID?
Digitalization requires trust. Without the certainty that data is reliable and comes from secure sources, many digital processes remain slow and time-consuming because they have to be checked. This is where the e-ID comes in.
It will allow for a comprehensive state-provided trust infrastructure that
- enables clear digital credentials,
- ensures high security and data protection standards,
- as well as interoperability within Switzerland and with other countries.
This infrastructure is the prerequisite for new services of digital administration and innovative digital services from the private sector that go far beyond simple online forms.
The highlight: verifiable credentials
The trust infrastructure makes it possible to issue further digital credentials – so-called verifiable credentials, or «VCs». Like the e-ID itself, VCs can be stored securely in a digital wallet and presented when required. In a self-determined and data-minimizing manner.
What exactly does the new infrastructure make possible?
- Documents
Driving licenses, certificates of place of residence, proof of training, and much more are issued by cantons and organizations as VCs. This means that a person has digital versions of the physical documents that are forgery-proof and easy to use. - E-voting
In the long term, the e-ID could serve as the basis for secure electronic voting and elections. It enables the clear identification of those entitled to vote without jeopardizing the anonymity of the vote. - Digital power of attorney
Today, paper-based signatures are often required for a legally valid power of attorney. With the e-ID, a power of attorney could be issued, stored, and verified digitally as a VC – quickly, securely, and transparently. - Digital corporate identity
Companies would be able to identify themselves securely to banks, authorities, or business partners with a digital identity. Founding a company or requesting a change in the commercial register would be much easier and faster. - Employee and membership card
Organizations could be entered in the trust register and issue VCs themselves. For example, it would be possible for a company to issue digital employee ID cards to ensure access to its (physical and digital) infrastructure. Furthermore, a gym, for example, could issue a membership card that serves both as access control and as proof of discount for the health insurance company.
Advantages for Switzerland as a business location
A functioning trust infrastructure is not only a benefit for citizens, but also a strategic advantage for Switzerland:
- Promotion of innovation
Start-ups and companies can develop new services on a secure identity infrastructure. - Efficiency gains
Administration and business save time and money thanks to automated, seamless processes. - Trust advantage
Countries with a functioning digital identity infrastructure enjoy a high level of international trust.
