E-ID: Further clarifications on technical implementation
Bern, 14.06.2024 - On 14 June, the FDJP briefed the Federal Council on the results of the informal consultation on the technical implementation of the new federal electronic identity (e-ID). In the responses received there is a clear demand for a high level of privacy protection and the possibility of using the e-ID abroad. In order to meet both requirements, the e-ID trust infrastructure must support different technologies in parallel, and for this, further clarifications are necessary. The FDJP is expected to submit a concrete proposal to the Federal Council by the end of the year.
It is currently planned to introduce the new federal e-ID in 2026. In order to meet this schedule, the federal government is already working on the technical implementation, which involves both developing the e-ID and creating the trust infrastructure necessary to operate it. The technology to create this trust infrastructure must now be selected, and the FDJP has run an informal consultation to this end.
The consultation centred on which e-ID and trust infrastructure requirement should be given higher priority, privacy protection or the possibility of using the e-ID abroad. The feedback received shows no specific preference; rather, it is clear that both requirements are weighted highly. The e-ID and the trust infrastructure should afford both a high level of privacy protection and the possibility of using the e-ID abroad.
However, as there is currently no technology available that meets both objectives, the trust infrastructure will have to support several technologies at the same time if the new federal e-ID is actually to meet both requirements. The EU and the US Department of Homeland Security also rely on several technologies in this context. Such an approach makes perfect sense considering the dynamic nature of the technological environment: a trust infrastructure that supports multiple technologies is more flexible and can respond better to technological or regulatory changes.
The FDJP has therefore decided to continue examining the parallel technologies option, and for this, further clarifications are necessary, in particular regarding the technical aspects and financial implications. The FDJP is expected to submit a concrete proposal to the Federal Council by the end of the year.
Public and private services without media discontinuity
By establishing the trust infrastructure, the Confederation will be making an important contribution to Switzerland's digital transformation. Public authorities and the private sector will be able to offer services without media discontinuity. This saves time and money, thereby helping to promote Switzerland as a business location. The groundwork has already begun and several pilot projects have been launched. It is planned to introduce the state-issued e-ID in 2026.
Address for enquiries
Rolf Rauschenbach, Federal Office of Justice, T +41 58 465 31 20,
rolf.rauschenbach@bj.admin.ch
Publisher
The Federal Council
https://www.admin.ch/gov/en/start.html
Federal Department of Justice and Police
http://www.ejpd.admin.ch
Federal Office of Justice
http://www.bj.admin.ch
