Quiz Entry - updated: 2026.10.22
How do the EU and Switzerland define an E-ID?
EU (eIDAS, 2024/1183): an electronic means of identification that a state issues or recognises and that is used to authenticate the person for access to services. Switzerland: an electronic proof of identity.
"E-ID" simply stands for electronic (digital instead of paper or plastic) identity / identification (the proof of who you are), meaning the digital equivalent of showing your ID card.
The two definitions put the emphasis in different places:
| EU (eIDAS 2024/1183) | Switzerland | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | An electronic means of identifying a person that is officially issued or recognised by a state, and used to authenticate that person for access to services | Electronic proof of identity (elektronischer Identitätsnachweis) |
| Emphasis | Identification plus authentication to online services | Proving identity, like showing an ID card |
The difference connects to the SSI disadvantages: the Swiss E-ID is first of all a proof you present, not a login mechanism for accounts. The EU definition explicitly includes the authentication use.
Go deeper:
eIDAS (Wikipedia) — the EU framework behind the E-ID definition.- E-ID-Gesetz (Fedlex) — the Swiss law text (in German).