New Timeline for the Introduction of the e-ID and the Trust Infrastructure
The latest developments in the field of artificial intelligence present additional challenges for the creation of an electronic identity (e-ID). To ensure that user data protection and security are maintained, further work is needed, which will delay the introduction of the e-ID. The security aspect must be given greater priority than introducing e-ID by the originally stated date. Regardless, the trust infrastructure is expected to become operational in the first half of 2027.
At the beginning of the year, the public was informed that, in light of the close vote in the referendum, the main points of criticism raised by opponents regarding the development of the e-ID would be addressed as much as possible before its introduction. Specifically, data protection is to be further strengthened and the level of trust in its use increased. This position remains unchanged. The Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP) considers further developments aimed at enhancing data protection and security to be more important than introducing the e-ID by the originally stated date.
The latest developments in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) present additional challenges for the development of the e-ID. For this reason, the Federal Office of Justice (FOJ) has decided to further enhance security in the online issuance process. The implementation of additional technical measures is intended, for example, to make it more difficult to introduce malware onto end-user devices and to improve the detection of deepfakes.
These solutions are currently being further refined by an interdepartmental working group led by the BJ. However, the necessary adjustments will take time, which is why the introduction of the e-ID has been postponed. The BJ is also currently assessing the impact on resource requirements. The exact date for the introduction of the e-ID will be announced as soon as this work is largely complete.
Work on the trust infrastructure is well underway
The development of the infrastructure necessary for the operation of E-ID is well underway and has been successfully tested for more than a year by government agencies and private entities in a test environment (known as the “public beta”). As a result, the infrastructure is expected to become operational in the first half of 2027, regardless of when E-ID is introduced. The Federal Council will enact the Federal Act on Electronic Identity and Other Electronic Credentials (E-ID Act), at least in part, effective as of that date. This will allow the trust infrastructure to be used by the federal government, cantons, municipalities, and private entities to issue other electronic credentials starting at that time. One example is the issuance of the electronic driver’s license.
Memorandum, available only in German