Towards a GDPR-Compliant Blockchain-Based COVID Vaccination Passport

TL;DR

This paper proposes a GDPR-compliant blockchain framework for a COVID vaccination passport, aiming to facilitate international travel while respecting data privacy regulations.

Contribution

It introduces a novel architectural framework for a blockchain-based vaccination passport that complies with GDPR, addressing privacy concerns in digital health credentials.

Findings

Design of a GDPR-compliant blockchain vaccination passport

Framework supports cross-border travel verification

Addresses privacy and security in digital health passports

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has shaken the world and limited work/personal life activities. Besides the loss of human lives and agony faced by humankind, the pandemic has badly hit different sectors economically, including the travel industry. Special arrangements, including COVID test before departure and on arrival, and voluntary quarantine, were enforced to limit the risk of transmission. However, the hope for returning to a normal (pre-COVID) routine relies on the success of the current COVID vaccination drives administered by different countries. To open for tourism and other necessary travel, a need is realized for a universally accessible proof of COVID vaccination, allowing travelers to cross the borders without any hindrance. This paper presents an architectural framework for a GDPR-compliant blockchain-based COVID vaccination passport (VacciFi), whilst considering the relevant developments, especially in the European Union region.