Switzerland has announced key technical decisions for its national electronic identity (E-ID) system and Federal Electronic Wallet initiative, establishing the foundation for a decentralized digital identity infrastructure. The announcement, which builds on the successful pilot program launched earlier this year, was made during a public Participation Meeting that outlined the technical standards and implementation timeline.
The Swiss Federal Council has selected DID:webvh as the method for Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs), enabling citizens to maintain control over their digital identifiers without relying on a centralized authority. This approach is consistent with broader European efforts to implement decentralized identity systems, similar to those being tested in the eIDAS-Testbed initiative. The system will use a VC-based Trust Protocol employing Verifiable Credentials (VCs) for secure identity information sharing.
For credential formatting, the system will use SD-JWT (Selective Disclosure JSON Web Token) technology, allowing users to disclose specific identity attributes while maintaining the privacy of other information. The implementation includes OpenID4VCI and OpenID4VP protocols for credential issuance and verification, establishing standardized communication between identity providers, holders, and verifiers. These protocols have gained significant traction in European digital identity projects and are considered crucial for cross-border interoperability.
The Federal Electronic Wallet, named SWIYU, will serve as the primary interface for E-ID management. This digital wallet will provide functionality for storing, managing, and presenting digital credentials across various use cases.
Implementation will proceed through multiple phases, beginning with a public beta environment called “PLAYGROUND” scheduled for launch in Q1 2025. This testing infrastructure will allow future issuers and verifiers to trial the system. A parallel BetaID program will facilitate real-world implementation testing, incorporating feedback from early adopters and stakeholders.
The initiative includes a pre-release environment focused on developing Proof of Concepts, including the eLFA (learner’s driving license Verifiable Credential). The environment will transition to full production status as the system matures, with the eLFA serving as a practical demonstration of the system’s capabilities in everyday applications.
Sources: LinkedIn
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December 10, 2024 – by Ji-seo Kim
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