E-ID cards Population can test E-ID and other e-verifications free of charge
Since Wednesday, the public has been able to try out the use of electronic identity and other such proofs of identity free of charge. The Confederation is providing a test environment. There, people can develop their own electronic proof of identity and take advantage of the benefits of the e-ID.
26.03.2025, 14:08
SDA
The Confederation has already carried out several pilot projects with a view to introducing the state-recognized electronic proof of identity (e-ID) and commissioning the necessary trust infrastructure. These include, for example, a trial with the electronic learner's permit in Appenzell Ausserrhoden.
As the Federal Office of Justice (FOJ) announced on Wednesday, the general public should now be able to gain initial experience. Anyone who wants the test environment must download the "swiyu" app onto their smartphone and have a fictitious proof of identity (beta ID) issued.
According to the FOJ, the test environment will be further developed and the range of uses expanded until the e-ID is introduced. The Confederation publishes all products as open source software and makes them available to the public, businesses and authorities free of charge.
Second attempt for e-ID
On 20 December 2024, Parliament approved the new E-ID Act following a referendum and stipulated that the Confederation would introduce state-recognized electronic proof of identity. Subject to the referendum, this should be the case in the third quarter of 2026 at the earliest.
The Mass-Voll, Freunde der Verfassung and Aufrecht Schweiz movements and the Pirate Party have launched a referendum against the E-ID Act. The deadline for collecting the required 50,000 signatures expires on April 19.
The first attempt to introduce the e-ID failed at the ballot box in March 2021. The bill wanted to leave the issuing of electronic ID cards to private individuals. Data protection concerns tipped the scales in favor of the no vote.
