The new digital identity, subject to vote on September 28, is public, safe and optional, the Alliance for the ID said on Tuesday. This committee, made up of representatives of politics, economics and civil society, wanted to show the “broad support” available to the project.
The main criticism against the project rejected in 2021 in the ballot boxes is lifted: the new electronic identity is entirely in the hands of the State, the alliance wrote in a press release. “Three years ago, I said no to a private e-ID. Today, I say yes to a 100% public e-ID,” said Vaudoise State Councilor Nuria Gorrite.
Digital company Erik Schönenberger highlights him data protection. The electronic identity is stored on the smartphone of the persons concerned, not in a centralized database. The people who use it leave no trace to identify them.
And E-ID can only be required if it is absolutely necessary, for example to prevent abuse or identity theft, he adds. It cannot be required for daily operations, such as a purchase in an online store.
Innovation, public service and democracy
Representatives of the Federation of Associations of Retirees and the Swiss Central Union for the good of the blind have highlighted the advantages for the members of their associations. It is “a public service (…) which simplifies life”, which “contributes to eliminating obstacles” and which “strengthens autonomy”, they assure.
It is part of a “reliable basic infrastructure”, such as roads, electricity or water, adds the president of Aesch (ZH) André Guyer. For a small town like hers, she makes work “efficient, economic and close to citizens”, without barriers and 24 hours a day, he added.
The Alliance finally emphasizes that E-ID strengthens Switzerland as an innovative economic site, as well as direct democracy. It is an effective way to fight “fraud to signatures” and will safely sign initiatives and referendums using a smartphone, argues Daniel Graf, of the Foundation for Direct Democracy.
Opponents fear abuse
Supported by all government parties, the E-ID law is fighting by a committee made up of the Swiss digital integrity group, founded by former members of the Pirate Party, young UDC, UDF and friends of the Constitution.
These opponents believe that the E-ID compromises the protection of the private sphere and denounce the risk of abuse, which can go as far as mass monitoring. On Saturday, the UDC decided to recommend the no to the text.
>> Review the subject of 7:30 p.m. on the countryside:
ATS/BOI