Building on the initial pilot program, which commenced in 2024 and was discussed during a public participation meeting, this announcement outlines the technical framework for E-ID and e-wallets in Switzerland.

Overview of the Technical Framework

The Swiss Federal Council has chosen DID:webvh as the method for Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs), allowing citizens to maintain control over their digital identifiers without relying on a central authority.

This decision aligns with broader European efforts aimed at implementing decentralized identity systems. The system will utilize Verifiable Credentials (VCs) via a VC-based trust protocol, specifically SD-JWT technology for secure credential formatting. This approach enables users to disclose specific attributes while keeping other information private.

The implementation will involve the use of OpenID4VCI and OpenID4VP protocols for issuing and verifying credentials, ensuring standardized communication between identity providers, holders, and verifiers. These protocols have gained traction in various European digital identity projects.

SWIYU, the Federal Electronic Wallet, will serve as the primary interface for E-ID management. It provides functionality for storing, managing, and presenting digital credentials across different use cases.

The rollout of the system will occur in multiple phases. The first phase involves a public beta environment called ‘PLAYGROUND’, set to launch in Q1 2025. This phase is designed to allow future issuers and verifiers to test the system.

Additionally, there is a pre-release environment focused on developing proof-of-concepts. As the system matures, this environment will transition into full production status.