In a closely contested referendum, Swiss voters have narrowly endorsed the introduction of voluntary electronic identity cards, with 50.4% voting in favor and 49.6% opposing the measure. This outcome defied earlier opinion polls, which had predicted a 60% approval rate for the digital IDs, a proposal supported by the Swiss government and both houses of parliament. The vote marks Switzerland’s second attempt at implementing digital IDs, following the rejection of a 2021 proposal due to concerns over centralized data control by private entities. The revised plan ensures that the system remains under government oversight, with data stored exclusively on users’ smartphones and the use of digital IDs remaining optional. Citizens retain the choice to continue using traditional national identity cards, a long-standing standard in Switzerland. To address privacy concerns, authorities will only be able to access specific details, such as proof of age or nationality, when necessary. This development coincides with the UK government’s announcement of its own mandatory digital ID system aimed at curbing illegal migration, which has sparked similar privacy and security debates. Proponents of the Swiss system argue that it will streamline bureaucratic processes, from obtaining phone contracts to age verification for purchases. However, opponents, who successfully petitioned for the referendum, remain wary of potential privacy infringements and misuse of data for tracking or marketing purposes. Switzerland’s strong tradition of privacy protection, exemplified by its banking secrecy laws and stringent regulations on services like Google Street View, underscores the cautious approach to digital innovation.