Researchers fear that new corona PCR test results and 'digital passports' to prove vaccination will be introduced, causing inequality
In response to the pandemic of the new coronavirus, the introduction of 'digital passports' that prove the results of PCR tests and the presence or absence of vaccination is being promoted all over the world. The New York Times summarizes the importance of digital passports in dealing with pandemics and the challenges researchers claim.
Vaccinated? Show Us Your App --The New York Times
The 'vaccination certificate' that indicates that you have been vaccinated against an infectious disease has a long history, and in the 1880s, some schools gave students and teachers a 'card certifying that they had been vaccinated against smallpox.' He said he was asking for a presentation. In the 1960s, people who were vaccinated against yellow fever were issued a vaccination certificate called a yellow card . People living in certain areas where yellow fever is endemic at the time of writing must present a yellow card when entering or leaving the country.
In 2020, when the new coronavirus was prevalent, many countries began to require a 'negative certificate for the new coronavirus' when traveling. This forced people to undergo a PCR test and get a negative certificate before traveling, even if they had no symptoms, but some people got a 'fake new coronavirus negative certificate' through the dark route. It is also reported that they are purchasing.
Some people buy a 'fake new corona negative certificate' from the dark route to travel abroad-GIGAZINE
As the vaccination of the new coronavirus starts in the United Kingdom and the United States, the 'digital passport' that proves the PCR test results and the presence or absence of vaccination is attracting attention. If it becomes possible to easily prove one's vaccination history and health condition with a smartphone app, etc., it will be of great help in controlling the epidemic of the new coronavirus and making efforts to restore the economy. Digital passports may be introduced not only for long-distance trips, but also for movie theaters, cruise ships, sports facilities, etc.
In the United States, the card will be distributed to people who have been vaccinated against the new coronavirus so that medical providers, vaccine manufacturers, production lots, vaccination dates, etc. can be confirmed. On the other hand, health agencies have not issued clear guidance on PCR test results and digital certificates of vaccination, so companies and nonprofits are developing health passport apps. Passport app developers aim to provide credentials with the same credibility as a yellow card, claiming that smartphone app proofs are less likely to be forged than paper documents.
IBM, a computer-related company, is also one of the companies that has started developing health passports, and has already completed a pilot test of an app called ' Digital Health Pass '. The Digital Health Pass is planned to be introduced in major sports facilities, etc., and Eric Piscini, vice president of development, said, 'I think that such a solution is necessary to restart the economy and save a specific industry. I will. ' Without an app to prove their safety, people wouldn't be able to easily go out and the travel and entertainment industry would be adversely affected, Piscini said.
In addition, Clear, a security company that develops biometric authentication technology that confirms the identities of people at airports, has already introduced an app called ' Health Pass .' This app is used by some professional sports teams and insurance companies, and it is possible to check the PCR test results of employees with the app. In the future, it will be possible to check the presence or absence of vaccination on the app.
The most widely known digital passport app for the new coronavirus is CommonPass, developed by the Swiss non-profit organization Commons Project Foundation . 'This app may be a new general need to control and contain the pandemic of the new coronavirus,' said Dr. Brad Perkins, Chief Healthcare Officer at the Commons Project Foundation.
The Commons Project Foundation, which had been developing software for people to obtain and use their own medical data before the pandemic, helped build health passport apps in East African countries when the pandemic occurred. The app was primarily intended to prove the truck driver's PCR test results, allowing negative drivers to pick up their packages at the port and deliver them to landlocked countries.
The Commons Project Foundation has since worked with the World Economic Forum to develop a more global digital passport app. CommonPass proves data such as negative PCR test results and helps people board international flights for international travel. Already, United Airlines , JetBlue Airlines , Lufthansa and other companies are planning to introduce Common Pass in the coming weeks.
Passengers who want to use international flights with CommonPass must obtain the verification code generated by the app after obtaining a negative result in the PCR test and present the verification code at the check-in counter or boarding gate at the airport. Dr. Perkins says he also has the option to print a verification code as well as a paper boarding pass to accommodate users who do not have a smartphone.
However, some experts warn that there are various risks to vaccination technology, whether it's a paper vaccination certificate or a digital passport on a smartphone. For example, if you start asking for proof with a digital passport in many places, there will be a gap between those who have a digital passport and those who do not, and there is a risk that society will be divided.
Due to the generalization of digital passports, people who have restricted access to vaccines and online tools for some reason may have difficulty working or traveling. 'Public health protection has historically been used as a substitute for discrimination,' said Michele Goodwin, a law professor at the University of California, Irvine , concerned that digital passports could act as an excuse to keep certain people away. Claims to be.
There are also privacy risks associated with managing medical data with a digital passport. App developers are also serious about protecting privacy, claiming that airlines and employers do not have access to detailed user data through the app. Still, some tech experts remain vigilant , and Zac Cohen, COO of identity guarantee company Trulioo , said, 'Until you understand how technology works fairly, you 're really cautious about deploying it. Should be. '
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