Status: 04/16/2021 3:50 a.m.
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The “Excelsior” vaccination certificate is intended to make it easier for New Yorkers to return to everyday life. But this diction alone is controversial: privacy advocates have concerns, some Republicans even sense state paternalism.
From Christiane Meier,
ARD-Studio New York
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“I am vaccinated”: This is what the new New York “Excelsior Pass” says, nothing more and nothing less. New York always thought of itself as something special, outstanding and ambitious – just Excelsior. So the naming, which should point to the future, is not surprising – even if the claim seems quite high.
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Christiane Meier
ARD capital studio
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Those who have the “Excelsior Pass” are allowed to enter the stadiums, concerts and theater performances that are reopening and do not have to undergo the frequent corona tests, the durability of which often does not extend beyond the day.
And this is how it works: You download the app, store your data or get your passport via a website. 14 days after the second vaccination, the vaccinated person can enter their date of birth and the two vaccination dates. These are then compared with the state vaccination data and the applicants receive a QR code that they can show or print out. Everything for free – and valid for six months. You can then apply for a new passport.
Privacy advocates are skeptical
As nice as it sounds, the problem is, as always, in the detail. Privacy advocates point out how easy it is to hack electronic vaccination certificates. According to Albert Fox-Cahn from the independent Surveillance Technology Oversight Project, it only took eleven minutes to produce a false ID.
However, the vaccination certificate can only be used in conjunction with an ID – at least an additional protection against abuse. But, Fox-Cahn further criticized, it was also unclear how the app collects and protects the data – an additional form of control is being introduced here, the details of which remain in the dark.
This is how it works: New Yorkers show their digital vaccination certificate in front of the cultural center “The Shed”
Image: AFP
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Question of political stance
In general, the app leads back to an old dispute between Republicans and Democrats. In particular, extremely conservative Republicans and Trump supporters see the app as another form of state paternalism.
In Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis issued an order prohibiting the introduction of such an app: it would create a two-class society.
Some critics also share this argument in New York – after all, you need a smartphone or a computer to get your passport. There is no access for the elderly and the poor. However, this hurdle seems surmountable, volunteers are available, and many small organizations offer their help in overcoming technical obstacles.
An order similar to DeSantis’ was issued by Texas Governor Greg Abott, and South Dakota’s Governor Kristi Noem called vaccination records a “fundamental threat to our freedom.” Other Republicans, such as right-wing populist Marjorie Taylor Greene, even smell a form of “corporate communism” as part of the Democrats’ attempt to control the lives of citizens.
Data storage at IBM
And then there is the place where the data is stored: at IBM, a private company. Critics claim that their supercomputer Watson has full access to the data. It must be mentioned, however, that all vaccination data are already available there anyway. They have to be given to the state at the time of vaccination and – surprisingly – they are already stored at IBM.
But should the passport actually be called a passport or rather a certificate? This is also being discussed. Because the vaccinations are so far only on the market through an emergency approval and not mandatory. And the word vaccination certificate sounds a bit too official. The White House has been staying out of the equation so far, leaving the regulation to the CDC, the state health department and the states.
A consideration that everyone has to face
So what is more important? Freedom and easy access to public life and private events and restaurants or absolute data security? Theoretically, all Americans have to ask themselves the question – for New Yorkers it is already concrete, because nobody is forced to have such a passport. In any case, it is only valid in New York State, even if other states are already considering similar plans.
The New Yorkers will once again be at the forefront when it comes to the answer – one way or another. The trend in the almost two weeks since the passport has been online: it is in great demand.
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