Swiss voters approve plan for electronic identity cards

Swiss voters have narrowly approved a plan to introduce electronic identity cards in the country.

With all votes counted, 50.4% of those who voted said yes to the proposal, while 49.6% rejected it.

The closeness of the ballot is a surprise. Opinion polls had suggested up to 60% backed digital IDs, which also had the approval of the Swiss government, and both houses of parliament.

It marks the second time the Swiss have had a nationwide vote on digital IDs. An earlier proposal was rejected in 2021, amid concerns the data would be held centrally, and controlled largely by private providers.

Sunday's revised proposal keeps the system in government hands.

Data will be stored only on the smartphones of individual users, and digital IDs will be optional. Citizens can continue to use Switzerland's national identity card if they choose.