Switzerland is to become digitally independent. At least, that's the PR rhetoric of Marc Walder, CEO of the Ringier Group and founding father of Digital Switzerland. The political, business, and tech elites gathered on the Bürgenstock mountain to showcase the e-ID as the golden key to the digital future.
Independence certainly sounds sexy – especially for a country that likes to wear its neutrality like a prayer shawl. But Walder, of all people, who portrays himself as the messiah of digital self-determination, has been cozying up to Palantir – the US data giant closely aligned with intelligence agencies and fueling global surveillance projects – since 2018. Switzerland wants to be digitally sovereign – while its supposed mastermind has long since put his heart in Silicon Valley. A contradiction? Oh, really.
Non-profit? But with profit, please
Of course, the vehicle is called "non-profit." It sounds like neutrality, the common good, and enlightenment. In reality, it's a private-sector network that charmingly whispers into politicians' ears about what the future should look like. And what if a media corporation happens to profit directly from it? Well, it would be a shame not to take advantage of it.
Critics see Walder's dual role as a journalist, CEO, and lobbyist, which undermines his credibility. But hey – if the media have their say, at least they save themselves the trouble of asking uncomfortable questions.
Dystopia or instruction manual?
Meanwhile, Olivier Kessler delivers a literary version of this nightmare. In his novel "Freiführungsschlag" (Liberation Strike), we experience Zurich in the year 2048. Main character Mike has been demoted to the social credit system: no more meat, no car, only trams, and a virtual kick in the butt if he rebels. Fines? Deducted directly from your account with a mouse click. It couldn't be simpler.
Of course, all of this is only "for the good of all." To protect the climate, to promote social peace, to build a more just world. One could almost consider it satire – if it weren't already a reality in China. Social credit systems there already monitor, evaluate, and sanction entire populations. So Switzerland isn't discussing a fantasy – it's discussing how quickly it wants to move in the same direction.
15-minute cities: The grid of feel-good concrete
A particularly nice detail in the novel: the "15-minute cities." A concept that supposedly improves urban quality of life—everything you need is within 15 minutes. Sounds modern, sounds ecological. In Kessler's version, however, the whole thing ends in a gigantic cage. Citizens are dutifully cooped up, because those who take up less space also have a smaller ecological footprint. Practical, isn't it? This saves the hassle of managing civil liberties.
E-ID: From login to ankle bracelet
All social credit systems have one thing in common: they require a foundation. And this foundation is electronic identity. Without an e-ID, there is no seamless registration, no perfect matching of consumption, movement, and behavior. Today, a convenient login, tomorrow the foundation for the complete citizen dossier.
Walder and his associates are selling the e-ID as progress, an increase in efficiency, a secure digital ticket to the future. In reality, it is nothing more than the first step into a digital shackle that is so gentle that one almost chooses to put it on voluntarily.
CBDC: Your account deleted at the touch of a button
The next cog in this mechanism: central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). Officially, they're intended to make money transfers more efficient. Unofficially, they give governments a red button that can freeze, devalue, or delete your account in seconds. Reality in the Kessler universe, long a part of everyday life in China—and already in trials in Europe.
From citizen to QR code
When you combine e-ID, CBDC, and social scoring, there's not much left of the citizen. You're a walking QR code with a built-in kill switch. Your opinion? Dangerous. Your shopping list? Suspicious. Your range of motion? Monitorable. And if you click the wrong link or share an inappropriate meme, you can be elegantly sent into digital invisibility.
Security eats freedom – always
The blueprint for this system exists in China, and Europe watches in fascination. Every step is sold as "security." An ID card here, a means of payment there, a rating system to protect against crime. In the end, all that remains is silence—the tranquility of a digitally aligned people.
“I have nothing to hide” – the stupidest sentence of modern times
Many people calm themselves down with the classic: "I have nothing to hide." A sentence so naive that you'd like to carve it in stone – right above the entrance gates to the new digital prison. Because it's not about what you have to hide today. It's about the fact that at some point, someone will decide that your behavior tomorrow is unacceptable.
Today it's about climate and health. Tomorrow perhaps it's about meat consumption, the day after tomorrow it's about political views. In a system that automates punishments and imposes fines with the click of a mouse, there's no longer any need for a judge. Only an algorithm that shuts you down.
The comfort prison has Wi-Fi, but no exit
The proponents of e-ID rave about efficiency and streamlined administration. In reality, they're building a cage with velvet upholstery. Everything feels comfortable as long as you don't try to open the door.
And the best part: You don't even have to revoke civil rights anymore. You simply let people put on their digital shackles themselves – in the name of security, efficiency, and progress.
Conclusion: Once logged in, never logged out again
Switzerland will vote on the e-ID in a few weeks. Officially, it's about sovereignty. Unofficially, it's about whether we're willing to trade our freedom for convenience.
The result of this exchange can already be summed up in one sentence: Welcome to the comfort prison. Free entry. Questionable outcome.
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