Digital Governance: The Case of Proofs of Vaccination

Abstract

The article aims to cast light on how digital governance tools, such as proofs of vaccination, would impact European freedoms during unstable Covid-19 times. Considering the EU approach to proofs of vaccinations, the e-Health network established trust framework and EU proposal for the “Digital Green Certificate” (“DGC”), the article scrutinizes some of already implemented proof of vaccination solutions in the EU. The analysis investigates whether and to what extent this initiative would be adequate to cope with the manifold challenges in managing Covid-19 pandemic. While digital governance tools can significantly improve crisis management, such tools can also affect the rights and freedoms of individuals and communities by exasperating already existing social, political, and economic inequalities. By taking an in-depth look at the existing proof of vaccination solutions in the EU, the article sheds light on how the same digital government proposed solution, the DGC, affect individuals and communities.