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GAO-21-534SP 1 (2021-06-03)

handle is hein.gao/gaoltf0001 and id is 1 raw text is: Science, Technology Assessment, and Analytics SCIENCE & TECH SPOTLIGHT: DIGITAL VACCINE CREDENTIALS What is it? A digital vaccine credential can be used to confirm a person's identity and whether the person has been vaccinated for COVID-19. Often referred to as vaccine passports, digital credentials can also include information on whether the person has tested negative for or recovered from COVID-19. Some countries and industries require proof of a negative COVID-19 test or vaccination to mitigate transmission of the disease, and view digital credentials as a tool to safely reopen societies and economies. The concept of a health credential is not new. For example, a paper vaccine certificate known as the yellow card has long been recognized as an official record of immunizations for international travel and other purposes. It was first created in 1933 by a precursor to the World Health Organization (WHO). How does it work? Generally, users of a digital credential would download an application (app) onto a mobile device, create an account, and link it to their COVID-19 vaccination record from an immunization registry or to a COVID-19 test result from a certified test laboratory. A digital credential confirms the user's identity and authenticates COVID-19 health information. It also validates the health information against the destination's entry requirements, such as specific vaccines or tests accepted by a country. The app then generates a secure digital code the user can present to, for example, airline staff at check-in before boarding a flight or border control officials at an airport passport control checkpoint (see fig. 1). QI E Person is vaccinated. Person's identity is linked to verified vaccination status. Secure digital code is generated for use on a mobile device or for printing. Source: GAO. I GAO-21-534SP F . A simplified illustration of how a digital vaccine credential is created. How mature is it? Public and private entities, both in the U.S. and other countries, are developing and piloting digital credentials, but governance frameworks and technical standards for the use of this new technology are still emerging. As one of the industries hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, and in anticipation of increased passenger travel in summer 2021, the aviation industry has led efforts to develop digital credentials to facilitate safer and more efficient travel (see fig. 2). For example, in spring 2021, 50 international airlines were piloting the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) Travel Pass for digital proof of COVID-19 testing. IATA also announced plans to pilot the use of the Travel Pass for proof of COVID-19 vaccination by summer 2021. Many other digital credentials are being developed, piloted, and launched for use in the travel industry and other sectors, such as the entertainment industry. ) Source: GAO. I GAO-21-534SP F 2 Use of digital credentials at airports could make departure and arrival procedures faster and more efficient for travelers, airlines, and border officials compared to review and verification of paper vaccine cards in different languages. National governments are taking different approaches to this technology. The U.S. government stated in spring 2021 that it planned to work with private sector entities to develop common standards for digital credentials, especially with regard to health data privacy, but would not create a centralized federal vaccination database or mandate a national digital credential. By comparison, several countries, including Denmark, Israel, and the United Kingdom, are introducing or have launched national digital credentials. The European Union (EU) announced plans to launch its Digital Green Certificate in June 2021 for travel among member states. The EU may also allow vaccinated Americans to travel to EU countries in summer 2021. GAO-21-534SP Digital Vaccine Credentials NaRre.

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