Microsoft, Salesforce-backed alliance to launch standards for Covid-19 vaccine verification

A group of technology firms and healthcare providers, which includes the likes of Microsoft and Salesforce, will soon launch global standards for mobile apps that will be capable of verifying whether someone has received a Covid-19 vaccine, reports The Wall Street Journal.

The report further said that ‘The Vaccination Credential Initiative’ standards would feature digitally verified data including name and birthdate. The same can also be displayed through QR codes scanning.

The open-source-based standards can be integrated into mobile applications, which would be used for verifying people whether they have been vaccinated before granting entry to offices, restaurants, or any other public place. The standards will also allow companies to seek more data for verification. The additional data may include users’ license or temperature checks.

According to the report, the standards will be first integrated with apps CommonPass and CommonHealth. The first app allows people to manage and share their health data. The second one allows showing their Covid-19 health status.

“The aim … is to provide individuals access to their Covid-19 vaccination records in a secure, verifiable and privacy-preserving way,” a Microsoft spokesperson said in a statement.

The standards will be available for free. The Vaccination Credential Initiative has currently more than 200 members. Apart from Microsoft and Salesforce, it also has Oracle and Cerner Corp, and many other healthcare providers.

That said, other technology firms are also developing a similar platform for digital verification. For instance, IBM has launched something called “Digital Health Pass.” Built on blockchain technology, the e-pass aims to support the industries looking to resume operations with the in-person attendance of employees. Salesforce has already announced it will integrate the health pass with its Work.com platform.

According to the WSJ report, Google is also keeping a tab on the developments made by The Vaccination Credential Initiative. “We stand ready to engage with public health bodies and other organizations to understand their requirements,” a Google spokesperson said.