Authentifizierung – Grundlagen einer Theorie zu sozialsymboli-schen Praktiken der Identifizierung und Zugangskontrolle

Abstract

This paper presents elements of a theory of “authentification”. The focus is on socio-semiotical practices of identification and access control as part of social struggles for the distribution of limited resources. Within this conceptual framework, the fuzzy concept of “authenticity” can be dissolved and the habitual, temporal, modal and media constituents of the negotiation of authentication and authorisation can be brought to the fore. The theoretical considerations are illustrated with examples from the field of security industry (bouncers), cryptography and social media.