Privacy, Data Protection and Digital Policy in Times of Crisis. Poster Proceedings

Compared to other countries, Germany has been relatively late in introducing digital e-prescriptions ("E-Rezept"), with mandatory implementation beginning in January 2024. Due to delayed and limited awareness campaigns, citizens have been left to figure out the new system on their own. In response, consumer initiatives, such as the Verbraucherzentrale NRW e.V., have launched educational programs to support citizens in navigating the different prescription formats (paper, card, app). Through partic ipatory observation of a four-week program, which included community online talks and weekly tasks, we analyzed technical, informational, and procedural barriers in the transformation process. While the course facilitated learning and fostered digital literacy in a peer-supported environment, our find ings highlight persistent challenges, such as bureaucratic hurdles to PIN activation. We critically re flect on the implications of shifting responsibility onto consumers, discuss the risks of digital exclusion, and propose measures to enhance informational self-determination in the e-prescription adoption process.