How Artificial Intelligence Influenced Switzerland's Vote On E-ID

2025-10-01 02:08:28

(MENAFN- Swissinfo) Studies show that mistrust of artificial intelligence (AI) is growing in Switzerland with private companies' use of personal data a top concern. This might explain why many Swiss voters are against the digitisation of identity documents. This content was published on October 1, 2025 - 13:00 6 minutes

I analyse the risks, opportunities and concrete impacts of artificial intelligence on society and everyday life. Since joining SWI swissinfo in 2020, I translate the complexity of science and technology into stories that speak to a global audience. Born in Milan to an Italian-Egyptian family, I have been passionate about knowledge and writing since childhood. I worked between Milan and Paris as a multilingual editor for technology magazines before transitioning to international journalism with SWI swissinfo.

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The narrow margin by which the Swiss people accepted the introduction of electronic identity documentation (e-ID) on Sunday confirms their cautious attitude towards digital innovations. According to some studies, this extends to artificial intelligence.

AI represents the symbol of technology-related fears: it is perceived as powerful but opaque, dominated by large international companies. The studyExternal link“Smart and Human” by the Gottlieb Duttweiler Institute (GDI) highlighted the distrust among the population.

The majority of the 3,000 people surveyed in Switzerland, Germany and Austria believe that AI will change their lives for the worse and that companies will benefit over users, for example by increasing automation and decreasing wages. The study shows that most people do not trust companies to use AI responsibly.

Did this mistrust play a role in Swiss voters' caution when it comes to e-ID?

More More Swiss Politics E-ID vote: political scientist sees public mistrust in Swiss authorities

This content was published on Sep 28, 2025 Swiss voters have approved e-ID, but mistrust of the state is evident. Lukas Golder from research institute gfs analyses the result.

Read more: E-ID vote: political scientist sees public mistrust in Swiss authoritie

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