A new voluntary electronic identity (e-ID) scheme, overseen by the Swiss authorities, could be launched as early as 2026 in the Alpine country. The federal government unveiled its proposal on Wednesday following a consultation process.

Almost three years after Swiss voters rejected a private e-ID scheme at the ballot box, the Federal Council has presented its proposal for the introduction of a state-run system on Wednesday. It now goes to parliament to be discussed.

The government’s new e-ID proposal is not a copy of the failed bill, Justice Minister Elisabeth Baume-Schneider told the media in Bern on Wednesday. “It has been revised from A to Z,” she said.

A wide range of opinions have been considered during the drafting process. Over one hundred comments were received during the consultation process. ...