CovidChain: An Anonymity Preserving Blockchain Based Framework for Protection Against Covid-19

TL;DR

This paper proposes a blockchain-based framework that uses smartphones to help individuals maintain anonymity and adhere to social distancing norms during COVID-19, aiding safe public interactions.

Contribution

It introduces a novel blockchain framework that preserves user anonymity while facilitating social distancing during the pandemic.

Findings

Framework enables anonymous tracking of social distancing compliance

Enhances privacy in COVID-19 contact tracing

Supports safe public interactions during lockdowns

Abstract

Today, the entire world is facing incredible health and economic challenges due to the rapid spread of the life threatening novel Coronavirus Disease - 2019 (COVID-19). In the prevailing situation when a vaccine is many months away, the way forward seems to be a controlled exit from the lockdown - where, infected/exposed people are strictly quarantined and recovered/unexposed people are allowed to carry on with their day to day business activities. However, appropriate physical distancing norms will have to be strictly followed for such relaxations. Therefore, mechanisms are required that will assist people in following the social and physical distancing norms in public places. In this paper, we propose an anonymity preserving blockchain based framework that allows people, through use of their smart phones and other communication devices, to protect themselves from infections as they conduct their daily business activities.