Apple says 'vaccination proof' apps can only be submitted by health authorities

The company, which is attempting to control the quality of information made available on the platform, also said it would accept apps that were submitted directly by “any government, medical and other credentialed institutions.”

A medical worker receives a dose of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine as Japan launches its inoculation campaign, at Tokyo Medical Center in Tokyo, Japan. (REUTERS)

Using smartphones to display a digital version of some form of official ID is not a new concept. Google added support for digital drivers licences via the new Identity Credential API in Android 11. With the arrival of vaccines earlier this year, many apps have now emerged that show whether a person has had the vaccine shot. Apple is now setting strict rules regarding submissions to the App Store - only health authorities can offer apps showing proof of vaccination.

Apps purporting to provide a form of Digital Health Passport, such as the British company VST Enterprises (VSTE) and their V-Health Passport are meant to be used to identify those who are healthy enough to travel, or have the required vaccination. However, there is also the possibility of unscrupulous app developers uploading misleading or copycat apps that may compromise users data and privacy

“With the recent release of COVID-19 vaccines, we've seen an increase in apps that generate health passes used to enter buildings and access in-person services based on testing and vaccination records. To ensure these apps responsibly handle sensitive data and provide reliable functionality, they must be submitted by developers working with entities recognized by public health authorities,” Apple said on its developer blog on Tuesday.

The company stated that it was locking down the ability to submit apps to only the developers who met the criteria mentioned above - these could vary from test kit manufacturers, laboratories, or healthcare providers. The company also said it would accept apps that were submitted directly by “any government, medical and other credentialed institutions.”

Last year, Apple had announced it would also restrict the apps submitted to the store related to COVID-19 information, to developers from recognised entities like government organizations, health-focused NGOs, companies deeply credentialed in health issues, and medical or educational institutions. The company had also stated that entertainment or game apps with COVID-19 as their theme would not be allowed on the store.