Swiss online vaccine registry probed for data security issues
Keystone / Martial Trezzini
A voluntary electronic vaccination record platform is being investigated for data protection violations following a complaint.
This content was published on
2 minutes
Keystone-SDA/ac
On Tuesday, the Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner (FDPIC) announced that it has opened proceedings against the platform operator Myvaccines foundation. The free service allows people to create an electronic version of their paper vaccination record to ensure they are kept up to date about their vaccinations. The platform has received the support of government public health departments.
According to a tweet from Republik magazine on Tuesday, 450,000 vaccination data, including those of 240,000 people vaccinated against Covid-19, were openly accessible and vulnerable to manipulation.
Two days ago, the magazine informed the FDPIC of its investigation into possible data protection violations on the www.mesvaccins.ch platform.
After examining the complaint, and consulting with the National Center for Cyber Security, the FDPIC concluded that the alleged breaches were plausible. The data watchdog has opened a fact-finding procedure in accordance with the Federal Data Protection Act against the Myvaccines foundations based near the Swiss capital Bern.
The electronic vaccination booklet, as offered on the platform, could infringe the personal rights of a large number of people, especially as sensitive health data are involved.
On Tuesday, the mesvaccins.ch website, which is available in four languages, was no longer accessible.
“Sorry, urgent maintenance is required. We apologize for the inconvenience and will do our best to shorten the duration,” the website says.
Most Read Swiss Abroad
More
Thousands of emigrants’ descendants in Argentina demand Swiss citizenship
Should Switzerland take measures to support its struggling industries?
Industrial policies are back in fashion, not only in the United States but also in the EU. Should Switzerland, where various industries are struggling, draw inspiration from such policies?
This content was published on
Economics Minister Guy Parmelin and Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis have welcomed Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang to Bern
Michelle Hunziker to co-present Eurovision Song Contest
This content was published on
Swiss-Italian television moderator Michelle Hunziker will be one of the presenters of the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest (ESC), scheduled for May 13-17 in Basel.
Seniors face high public transport costs in Switzerland
This content was published on
Public transport ticket prices for adults in Switzerland are around the European average, according to a study. Swiss senior citizens and business travellers tend to pay more.
This content was published on
The amount of unproductive land in Switzerland has hardly changed in recent decades. Nationwide, it shrank by around 2% between 1985 and 2018.
Rescue teams had hands full at Lauberhorn ski race
This content was published on
From broken bones to heart attacks, the rescue teams had a busy weekend at the Ski World Cup in Wengen, which attracted a record 80,000 fans.
Swiss solar company Meyer Burger secures additional financing
This content was published on
The bridge financing concluded to stabilise the Swiss company has been extended and increased. The company has also launched a takeover process.
Centre Party president rules out run for Swiss government post
This content was published on
Outgoing Centre Party president Gerhard Pfister will not join the race to replace defence minister Viola Amherd in the Swiss government, the politician announced on Saturday.
How vaccine passports may make Swiss e-ID rejection obsolete
This content was published on
If the Swiss government allowed data storage accessible via face scan, it would make living in the country considerably more convenient.
Switzerland mulls controversial Covid-19 health passports
This content was published on
Swiss technology firms and medical researchers are developing digital health passports that could be used to certify who is immune to Covid-19.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.