Swiss voters will cast their ballots on Sunday to determine whether to implement electronic identity cards, following a prior rejection in 2021 due to data protection concerns. The revised proposal, fully optional and managed by public entities, stipulates that personal data will be stored on users’ smartphones rather than in a centralized system.

The Swiss government recommends a “yes” vote, emphasizing that citizens can continue using traditional physical identity cards. To address privacy fears, information will be accessible only for specific checks, like age verification. Advocates argue the system could streamline various processes, ranging from securing contracts to age verification for purchases.

Yet, opponents worry that digital IDs could still infringe on privacy rights, potentially allowing tracking and marketing misuse. Switzerland has a history of strict privacy laws and limited surveillance measures, which contribute to public hesitance regarding new technology.

Recent opinion polls suggest a shift in voter sentiment, likely influenced by positive experiences with the government’s Covid ID system that facilitated access to venues during the pandemic. With many Swiss citizens accustomed to smartphone technology and social media, some believe that occasional checks by authorities pose minimal additional risk.



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