Swiss Post has extended its e-government services with its Post SuisseID product under an agreementwith one of the country’s canton authorities.
The Jura canton recently implemented a virtual counter and the commune of Kerzers launched anelectronic account using these e-government services. The commune of Kerzers (Fribourg) introduceda digital account (eKonto) at the beginning of June, while the Jura canton has also decided tocommunicate with its citizens digitally from now on.
The Jura administrative council so far offers services are offered in four different areas,including, for example, notifications of pension payments and status checks at the tax office. Evena fishing or hunting licence can be applied for, and more services will be added in future.
Swiss citizens can access the e-government services of both authorities via Post SuisseID,the electronic identity service. With Post SuisseID, the Swiss postal operator offersadministrative councils and municipalities the opportunity to provide citizens with a means ofdealing with authorities electronically, in addition to traditional counter services.
Post SuisseID guarantees a secure login and unique authentication at the virtual counter. Thefirst standardised electronic identification in Switzerland assists authorities and privateindividuals in the secure and efficient handling of confidential data. In addition to secureauthentication, a legally binding electronic signature can also be created.
With the Post SuisseID, Swiss Post stressed that it is contributing to the development of theonline administration as stipulated in the Swiss e-government strategy adopted in 2007. The servicewas launched in 2010.
The virtual counter facilitates administration, saves time and increases interaction betweenadministrative councils and citizens through forums or subscription services, surveys, polls oreParticipation. eGovernment makes an important contribution to improving the quality of a location.
