What is SuisseID?

The Internet is gaining in importance in daily life. More and more people do not just go online to chat or watch video clips, they order all kinds of products, conclude contracts and many similar things. Playing euromillons is also possible online.

However, there is a big problem: it is difficult to determine who actually ordered the product or concluded the contract. Just imagine once, someone plays Euromillions online, wins a large sum of money and another collects the prize, because he is the winner. You also have to be able to clearly identify who has entered into a contract or completed a lottery ticket.

The answer is: SuisseID!

SuisseID is an electronic proof of identity that verifies not only the name, but also the age and the address. This ID has been available on the Swiss market since May 2010 and can either be used in the form of a chip card or a USB stick.

Currently, this ID is available from 4 vendors, of which Quo Vadis Trustlink Schweiz AG and Swiss Post / SwissSign AG provide electronic identity certificates to private individuals as well as to companies. The two other providers exclusively supply companies or administrative offices of the Federation and the cantons.

What is it for?

Currently, the ID has two functions. In the first place, it serves as an electronic proof of identity. This means that the holder of the SuisseID can use electronic services and it is possible to establish without doubt who has ordered the services concerned. For example, if the participant proofs his / her identity with SuisseID online, his / her tip can be assigned to him without any effort and if he wins, it is guaranteed the money goes straight to him.

The second function is the so-called qualified electronic signature. Electronic documents can be legally signed. In Switzerland, as in many other countries, the qualified electronic signature is equivalent to a handwritten signature.

What are the benefits of SuisseID and what should be considered?

SuisseID strengthens consumer confidence in electronic services by making it virtually impossible to abuse. It also offers a simple and convenient way to sign electronic documents and to prove their identity on the Internet. This makes it more difficult for cybercriminals to commit web fraud. It should be noted, however, that the SuisseID is not a substitute for the pass or the ID card.

Each SuisseID is provided with a PIN to prevent unauthorized use. If the PIN is entered incorrectly three times in a row, the SuisseID is blocked, similar to a bank card. The owner must request a new ID from the provider. The electronic identity card is also valid outside Switzerland and can be used on journeys abroad without any problems.