With the increase of fake Covid-19 vaccine certificates circulating on the web, Australian specialists are calling for a nationwide roll-out of a blockchain-based vaccine certificate system.
According to a report published by The Australian newspaper, international fraudsters are selling fake Australian Covid-19 certificates for as little as A$120, claiming they have sold over 200 certificates to their alleged 900 interested customers.
The counterfeiters claim their certificates are so realistic, “You’ll be the only one to know you’ve not been vaccinated”. Another group of forgers claims it can convince medical doctors to enter false information straight into the Australian Immunisation Registry.
With networks spanning the globe, some providers claim they have partners in Australia, the US, Europe, and some parts of Asia. Darknet marketplaces have also been a source of fake certificates and stolen vaccines where clients can pay with cryptocurrencies. With so many sources of fraudulent certificates, a system needs to be designed to combat the criminals.
Why Use Blockchain?
According to Robert Potter of cybersecurity firm Internet 2.0, it would be a good move for Australia to utilise blockchain technology to create a vaccine certificate system to ensure the current certificate system isn’t compromised.
We are able to give you a foolproof system that we solely are able to use, however we really need a worldwide system that everybody can use.
Robert Potter, Internet 2.0
However, Services Australia general manager Hank Jongen insists the current Covid-19 certificate application has “enhanced anti-fraud features” and that “where there are discrepancies […] Services Australia will contact the provider to ensure accuracy of this information and correct the record if required”.
By using blockchain technology, certificates can be digitally verified to check someone’s vaccination status, and its immutable properties mean issued certificates can’t be tampered with. However, our fallible brethren might still be persuaded to add fake certificates to the system.
Reforming How Health Information is Shared
Previously there has been some talk of Australia creating vaccine passports, but so far nothing has come of it. This would not be a groundbreaking endeavour, as the republic of San Marino in central Italy has already started implementing its blockchain-based vaccine passport through VeChain.
International conglomerate IBM has also developed a blockchain-powered digital health pass built-in with Amadeus, an airline reservations system utilised by more than 450 carriers around the globe.
Blockchain Australia deputy chair Karen Cohen believes a blockchain-based Covid certificate system may pave the way for the safe exchange of health information worldwide, stating: “This would be a really wonderful test case as a globally secured way of sharing health data.”
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