Establishing cross-authority digital identification
Target vision: A system of state-recognised electronic credentials (e-ID) will enable Swiss residents to prove who they are using digital proof of identification. The Confederation issues the e-ID and guarantees the operation of the necessary trust infrastructure. The legal basis has been created and public bodies are using e-ID across the board.
The Confederation operates an authentication system in which the e-ID can be used to access connected services or applications. This authentication system is available to the Confederation, cantons and communes and supports the concept of multiple use of electronic identities in Switzerland.
Use of the trust infrastructure is open to everyone, meaning that other public and private entities can offer digital proofs of identification. The appropriate standards for evidence from the authorities have been established.
Initiative measures
E-ID legislative amendment and pilot projects
Swiss residents should be able to identify themselves securely online. This requires state-recognised electronic proof of identification (e-ID). The Confederation will issue the state e-ID and be responsible for operating the necessary trust infrastructure. In addition to developing the legal basis (e-ID Act), technologies are also being trialled for the trust infrastructure. Various pilot projects are being carried out in this area. For example, the Federal Chancellery (FCh) is reviewing the feasibility of an electronic ID card for federal employees (proof of concept ePerso). The Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) and the Association of Driver and Vehicle Licensing Offices (asa) are testing an electronic learner's licence with the aim of also being able to offer other road traffic licences as electronic credentials. There are also a number of cantonal and private pilot projects.
Organisation responsible for service: Federal Office of Justice (FOJ)
Contact: Urs Paul Holenstein
End date: 13.12.2024
Implementing a national authentication system for public authorities AGOV
The Confederation operates an authentication system in which the e-ID can be used as a means to access connected services or applications. This authentication system is available to the Confederation, cantons and communes and supports the concept of multiple use of electronic identities in Switzerland. The intention is to pilot an identity network including CH-LOGIN and cantonal identity providers (IdP) in 2023, with operational use from 2024.
Organisation responsible for service: Federal Chancellery (FCh)
Contact: Philipp Dasen
End date: 31.12.2027
Developing content standardisation for verifiable credentials (digital evidence)
It is important to introduce standardisation at an early point in the process in order to promote the issue and use of digital credentials in the administrative environment. A prioritised list is kept of digital verifiable credentials (VC) across the public authority sector. All the required features of the proof of identification are compiled for precise definition, and referenced or described in a list of features. This list is then used to compile and review the individual items of proof with the help of stakeholder groups. The overall result is called the "VC catalogue" and is provided in both human- and machine-readable form.
Organisation responsible for service: DPSS Office
Contact: Marcel Kessler