GENEVA — Swiss voters headed to the polls Sunday to decide whether to introduce electronic identity cards, with early projections showing the electorate evenly split.

It is the second national vote on the issue. A similar plan was rejected in 2021 over privacy concerns and unease that private firms would oversee the system.

The revised proposal keeps the system optional and under full public control.

Data would be stored on users’ smartphones instead of central servers, and authorities could only check specific details, such as proof of age or nationality.

The measure has already passed both houses of parliament, and the Swiss government has urged a “Yes” vote.

Citizens will still be able to use physical identity cards, which remain standard in Switzerland.

Supporters argue the system will streamline daily tasks, from signing a phone contract to proving eligibility to buy alcohol.

Opponents say it could still undermine privacy, with fears that personal data could eventually be tracked or used for marketing.

Switzerland has a long tradition of strong privacy protections. Its banking secrecy laws, though weakened, once shielded citizens’ finances, and even today Google Street View images near schools and hospitals must be blurred under court order.

The vote comes days after the UK announced plans for a digital ID of its own, sparking similar concerns about surveillance and data security.

With early tallies showing a 50-50 split, the final result — expected late Sunday — remains too close to call. — BBC