New York State to Launch Blockchain-Based COVID-19 Passport This Week for Local Businesses
New York State is set to introduce a blockchain-powered COVID-19 passport this week aimed at businesses operating across the state. Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the initiative last week, confirming that the blockchain-based COVID-19 passport will be available beginning this week.
According to the governor’s press release, the passport will be available free of charge to businesses and its use will be voluntary. Named the Excelsior Pass, it will be usable statewide starting Friday, April 2.
The press release explains that the Excelsior Pass is a free, voluntary platform developed in partnership with IBM. It employs proven, secure technology to verify a person’s negative PCR test result or proof of vaccination. The system is intended to help the state accelerate the reopening of businesses and public venues in line with guidance from the New York State Department of Health.
Governor Cuomo praised New Yorkers for following public health guidance to combat the coronavirus. “The innovative Excelsior Pass is another tool in our new toolbox to fight the virus while enabling more sectors of the economy to reopen safely and preserving personal information,” he said.
Governments worldwide have been considering the development and issuance of COVID-19 passports that serve as proof of vaccination or recent negative test results. Critics and users have raised concerns about privacy risks and the practicality of carrying such documentation.
New York State adopted IBM’s digital health pass platform, which is built on blockchain technology. The Excelsior Pass is constructed on IBM’s blockchain, which the state says prevents third-party access to medical records.
The press release also notes that “secure technologies, such as blockchain and encryption, are integrated into the Excelsior Pass to protect data and make it verifiable and trustworthy. No private health data is stored or tracked within the apps.”
The pass will operate similarly to an airline mobile boarding pass, confirming a person’s recent negative COVID test result (PCR or antigen) or proof of vaccination when scanned. This development will allow New Yorkers to voluntarily share their health status to gain access to businesses and events.