Digital trust describes the interplay between human trust, organisational structures and technical security. The factsheet is primarily aimed at decision-makers in politics and public authorities and transfers the most important findings from the study by the Digital Society Initiative (DSI) at the University of Zurich on digital trust in the economy to digital services provided by the administration.
The central message is that trust is created where digital systems not only function reliably, but are also experienced by users as fair, transparent and comprehensible. The factsheet formulates recommendations for action for three time horizons. These range from immediate measures to a long-term vision for a nationwide trust infrastructure.
" Digitalisation needs the trust of the population."
Simonetta Sommaruga, ehemalige Schweizer Bundesrätin (2010–2022)."User trust leads to the acceptance and legitimisation of digital systems."
Study: Pilot study Digital Trust
This factsheet is based on a pilot study conducted by the Digital Society Initiative (DSI) of the University of Zurich in cooperation with the Swiss Academy of Engineering Sciences SATW. The study analyses how companies understand, promote and measure digital trust and shows that systematic approaches are still rare. While the study focuses on the importance of digital trust for the innovative capacity of the Swiss economy, the SATW factsheet is primarily aimed at decision-makers in politics and public authorities.
Authors of the study: Felix Gille, Markos Mpadanes, Federica Zavattaro (DSI, University of Zurich)
Read the study: https: //ethics.dsi.uzh.ch/app/uploads/2024/11/Gille-Mpadanes-Zavattaro-2024-Digital-Trust-Report.pdf
The factsheet describes what digital trust means and why digital trust is crucial for Switzerland. It shows the current starting position - including the narrow adoption of the e-ID - and identifies existing gaps such as the lack of national standards and fragmented responsibilities. It also formulates concrete recommendations for action for three time horizons: immediate measures, medium-term strategies and a long-term vision.
The referendum on e-ID in September 2025 was only narrowly approved with 50.4 per cent of votes in favour - with a majority of the cantons rejecting the project. This shows that Even when issued by the state, trust in digital solutions is low in many regions. Without targeted trust-building, Switzerland risks central digital projects such as the e-ID not being widely used.
The factsheet recommends a staged approach: In the short term (0-12 months), institutions should carry out digital trust assessments, train managers and make the first e-ID applications visible. In the medium term (1-3 years), binding national standards, an expansion of the federal infrastructure and regulated interoperability are required. In the long term (3-5 years), a fully interoperable trust infrastructure should be created in which "trust by design" becomes the standard.
It is primarily aimed at decision-makers in politics and authorities at federal, cantonal and municipal level. However, the content is also relevant for those responsible in business, science and civil society who are involved in the design of trustworthy digital ecosystems.
The factsheet was written by Manuel Kugler (SATW) and is based on a pilot study by the Digital Society Initiative (DSI) at the University of Zurich and on discussions with experts from the public administration and various institutions. It is published by the Swiss Academy of Engineering Sciences SATW.
| Role | Title + Name |
|---|---|
| Text von | Manuel Kugler |
| Editorial staff | Esther Lombardini, David Torcasso |
