New York Governor Cuomo Launches Blockchain-Powered Vaccination Passports



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On March 26, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the launch of the blockchain-powered “Excelsior Pass” vaccination passport.

The passport is issued through a free and voluntary platform that checks for Covid-19 vaccinations or negative test results via a QR code for scanning or printing from a smartphone. The Excelsior Pass is intended to help the process of reopening businesses and public places across New York City.

The vaccination passport is based on IBM’s blockchain-based Digital Health Pass, which allows a user’s identity, vaccination history, and test results to be verified and securely shared without revealing any independent personal information.

In the announcement, Governor Cuomo emphasized the importance of using technology to reopen in a way that responds to both public health and the economy:

“As more New Yorkers get vaccinated every day and key public health indicators continue to steadily hit their lowest rates in months, the country’s first Excelsior Pass heralds the next step in our thoughtful, science-based reopening.

Steve LaFleche, Managing Director of IBM Public and Federal Markets, proud to help the plan to reopen New York, saying: “IBM is proud to support New York State in its efforts to apply innovative technologies to help residents and communities to respond to COVID-19. “

Cuomo first revealed plans for a blockchain-powered vaccination passport on March 2, following a successful test of the system during a Brooklyn Nets NBA game the week before.