South Korea to Launch Blockchain-Based COVID-19 Passport

Asian giant, South Korea is set to begin the issuance of COVID-19 vaccination passports or certificates to allow for safe travels from one nation to the other. The plans to roll out these “vaccine passports” was revealed by Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun who according to Reuters said the passports will be displayed as blockchain-based mobile apps, and will allow international travellers to show digital proof of vaccination. These passports will be officially launched later this month.

The advent of the Coronavirus pandemic stretched out many aspects of our lives particularly the health sector. Recent advances helped churn out vaccines that are currently being administered in many nations around the world.

South Korea per the Reuters report expanded its vaccination program, stretching out to more elderly citizens aged 75 and over 86% of the 3.5 million people in that age group are committed to taking a shot of the vaccine manufactured by pharmaceutical giants Pfizer Inc and BioNTech. The Vaccine passports will also be issued to these recipients.

“The introduction of a vaccine passport or ‘Green Pass’ will only allow those who have been vaccinated to experience the recovery to their daily lives,” Chung told a government meeting, adding the app uses blockchain technology to prevent counterfeit

The issuance of a COVID-19 vaccine passport is a highly polarizing development in many countries with the European Union (EU) passing the recommendation for such. The point for many antagonists is that the choice to take or not take the vaccine shot should not deprive anyone the freedom of movement. There have been subtle campaigns against these passport issuance on social media as more nations join the bandwagon in a move that authorities believe is the best option.

Per the blockchain option being embraced by South Korea for the issuance of the COVID-19 passports, there may be a guarantee of privacy and data security as amongst other things, blockchain’s cryptographic technology may help shield user’s identities. Around 877,000 first doses of the vaccine had been administered as of Wednesday, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) said as reported by Reuters.