The case

The Swiss Federal Council has been promoting state-approved electronic identities (E-ID) that run on systems developed by the market. The state is supposed to focus on the definition of the legal framework and supply the identity data. On 22 February 2017 consultation procedures for a Swiss federal law on officially recognized identification units (E-ID law) were initiated.

Link

Source:  Admin – Medienmitteilung vom 22. Februar 2017

The commentary

The Swiss federal government has recognized the need for action and developed a concept for state-recognized electronic identification tools which form the basis for a Swiss federal law on state-recognized electronic tools (E-ID law) which was submitted for proposal in February. The central idea of the draft is simple: Private as well as public companies should implement it. As of 2021 the government will authorize “identity service providers” to issue state-approved electronic identities. However, experts believe that this concept is doomed to fail as they think that only a standard federal solution will serve the purpose, i.e. only an E-ID recognized by the Swiss federal government will be used by the authorized bodies in all situations and for all sorts of businesses. It is only when all companies can presume that their clients have an official electronic identity that they can start to develop the respective business models and offers. An official E-ID enables the breakthrough of the digital market and administration and should thus not be postponed to 2021 or even later. No laws of such kind are required, but what we do need is a streamlined solution: The Swiss federal government providing an electronic proof of identity that fulfils all the criteria required for an official electronic identity document ( “Electronic Identity Urgently Required”, article published in NZZ of 16 May 2017, highly abbreviated).

This publication has been prepared solely for information purposes and is does not constitute a recommendation, a solicitation, or an offer. The information on which this publication is based has been obtained from sources that we believe to be reliable and in good faith, but we have not independently verified such information and no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made as to its accuracy. All expressions of opinion are made as of the date of publication and may be subject to change without notice. k-flash and all related affiliates accepts no liability or responsibility whatsoever for any consequential loss of any kind arising out of the use of this publication or any part of its contents. The use of this publication should not be regarded as a substitute for the exercise by the recipient of his or her own judgment. This publication is not directed to any person in any jurisdictions that prohibit such publication.