Supports Android, vaccine passport operating system standard

Google announced on June 30 (local time) that it is now possible to store and display COVID-19 vaccination certificates on Android devices. It is initially available in the United States, and will be available in other countries in the future.

Overseas, restrictions are being eased, such as not wearing a mask or resuming economic activities on condition of vaccination, but the issue here is the proof of vaccination. The problem is that when issuing a paper certificate, you must always carry it with you. Some people use vaccine passports as a dedicated app, but there are concerns about the protection of personal information, including personal information.

Therefore, Apple is limiting the Vaccine Passport app available for iOS to organizations recognized as public health care providers or developers working with them. On the other hand, Google supports it as a standard operating system function. To respond by updating the API (Passes API) used to display Google Play membership cards, etc. Vaccine information is not stored in the cloud, but only in the terminal.

It’s possible to save to multiple devices you own, but it’s not synced, so you’ll have to manually save each device. Naturally, the information is not shared with third parties or used for targeted advertising. In order to use this, of course, it is necessary to respond to information providers such as medical institutions. If the information provider matches the structure of the vaccination information disclosed on the web to the API, the information can be stored in the terminal.

This function can be used from a security point of view. Android 5.0 or higher Play Protect is recognized, and registration such as a Plus password, PIN, or biometric is required. Also, there is no need to install the Google Play app. Related information can be found here.