COVID
Boosters
We need to discuss Coronavirus; many have long had the virus in the rearview mirror; however, with Winter fast approaching, it is now time for the nation to decide to take the virus seriously. One wonders aloud if we've ever taken COVID seriously when so many Americans lost their lives because, in large part, a former president downplayed the risks associated with COVID.
On Thursday of this week, I received my booster, which I encourage everyone to get; however, this led to the following, today I received an email from the pharmacy where I received the booster shot, and they sent me to an external website which required an email, along with a photograph. It asked me to upload a photo of my state-issued driver's license. I have no problems with vaccine mandates and support vaccine passports. Where I take issue is with the data collection. My iPhone, for example, contains information related to my COVID vaccination status; however, that iPhone does not require me to upload a photo of my state-issued license.
As someone who takes privacy seriously, everyone needs to take a moment and consider all the information technology companies collect, be it vaccination status or even the issue of certain states planning to use technology against their citizens. Some states have passed draconian laws seeking to regulate bodies. They intend to use applications to prosecute individuals. Everyone knows the dangers of technology; however, no one is willing to take responsibility for the technology they use. For example, those who continue to use Facebook are indirectly involved. One can argue with the downfall of Democracy. Those who use Twitter and other social media applications can bemoan polarization all they like but are interested in that cycle of polarization. People need to accept the responsibility these applications play in their daily lives.
I chose to opt into that third-party application to have my vaccination status on my iPhone. This is my point. We all complain about technology and the disastrous problems it leads to; however, we are unwilling to accept the burden we, the user, opt into because we would rather complain about the issue without taking the responsibility that commitment creates.