INTELLIGENT

SECURITY artisia Blockchain and the University

Switzerland ( HES-SO Valais-Wallis ) are poised to transform the management of digital identities for Swiss citizens .

This partnership aims to develop a decentralised electronic identity system in harmony with the Swiss Federal Council ’ s unwavering commitment to data privacy and security .

This collaboration marks a significant leap toward redefining digital identity management in Switzerland . The joint project aims to empower individuals with control over their personal data , ensuring a future where privacy and security are not compromised .

The primary objective of this project is to define the architecture for a self-sovereign identity ( SSI ) -based electronic identity ( e-ID ), creating a minimum viable product ( MVP ) and seamlessly integrating it into a public administration portal .

The SSI solution empowers citizens by enabling them to wield credentials issued by public administrations in mobile applications , offering the autonomy to select the data they disclose when accessing services . Central to this innovation is the blockchain technology , with Partisia Blockchain at the forefront , introducing a fast , sustainable and privacycentric blockchain solution .

Kurt Nielsen , PhD , President of Partisia Blockchain , said : “ Our aim is to place control firmly in the hands of individuals , allowing them to become the ultimate custodians of their personal information . This approach not only enhances privacy but also elevates the level of security that individuals can expect from digital identity management .”

Partisia Blockchain , known for its proficiency in zero-knowledge and private smart contracts , provides a platform where individuals exercise absolute control over their personal data . This decentralised system ensures that the individual is the ultimate owner of their information , setting a new standard in privacy and security .

Jean-Luc Beuchat , Professor at HES-SO Valais- Wallis , said : “ We are thrilled to introduce our SSI solution , designed to provide a simple , secure and open-source approach to digital identity management . Its versatility makes it ideal for a wide range of applications , from government-issued e-IDs to humanitarian aid initiatives . Our scalable solution can be seamlessly adapted to meet the unique requirements of diverse organisations .”

In response to the rejection of the Federal Act on Electronic Identification Services ( e-ID Act ) by Swiss citizens in March 2021 , the Swiss Federal Council promptly recommended Parliament to approve six motions addressing citizens ’ concerns and proposing a new e-ID Act . This led to the drafting of technical solutions by the Federal Office of Justice ( FOJ ), including the discussion paper on the target vision for an e-ID in August 2021 .

The paper outlined three technical approaches : a state identity provider , a public-key infrastructure and self-sovereign identity ( SSI ). Opting for the latter approach , the Federal Council is in the final stages of concluding consultations before the year ’ s end .

The solution developed by Partisia Blockchain , DuoKey , and HES-SO Valais-Wallis is slated for presentation to the Swiss Federal Department of Justice before Christmas . Emphasising its various benefits , including non-disclosure of personal information , data usability for statistics and planning without revealing personal information , and its compliance with Swiss legislation , this solution aligns seamlessly with the vision outlined by the Swiss Federal Council .

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