Security News > 2021 > July > UK govt draws a blank over vaccine certification app – no really, the report is half-empty

Much to the derision of expert commentators on social media, the COVID-Status Certification Review details the government's approach to so-called vaccine passports and its response to concerns over their usage.

"Any decision to require COVID-status certification will be a discretionary choice for individual organisations to make. However, it is possible that certification could provide a means of keeping events going and businesses open if the country is facing a difficult situation in autumn or winter," it said.

Although the step back might be welcomed by campaigners, concerns remain over the voluntary use of the NHS App for vaccine certification.

The campaign group's report said using the NHS App for COVID certificates would be a concern as it is linked to individuals' identities and information in NHS records including a wealth of identifiable, sensitive information such as NHS numbers.

"Using the NHS App for proof of a vaccine comes with a significant further privacy risk due to the wealth of other personal information available within it, from prescriptions to addresses, and these issues are yet to be addressed," it said.

The Cabinet Office report on COVID-status certification said it had "Considered a wide range of evidence as part of the review" and "Recognises the concerns expressed over certification" but does not mention privacy.

News URL

https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2021/07/13/uk_vaccine_certificate_report/