The initiative considering digital transformation was only launched in May, and the people possessing Blockchain-based licenses have already crossed a million. One million of the South Korean people have abandoned their traditional old drivers’ license and have opted for the digital alternative, which is powered by blockchain technology.
According to a report, this accounts for approximately 3% of South Korea’s driving citizens. This proposal was approved by the nations’ Ministry of Science and ICT in late 2019. It can be regarded as the first digital identification certificate to be used all over South Korea.
This project was set in motion by the National Police Agency in May in partnership with the country’s Road Traffic Authority, and South Korea’s three significant telecommunication firms including SK, LG U+ and KT. By the last month, about 27 of the country’s driving license testing centres were using the PASS app to renew and reissue digital drivers licenses.
This legally-acknowledged identification card can be used at almost all public places such as convenience stores and retail chains that sell alcohol or cigarettes for proof-of-age and identification verification. The digital ID owners can show their license via QR code or barcode on the application itself. Other industrial sectors such as rental car and shared rides services are also investigating the ability to make use of these digital cards as a substitute for face-to-face verifications.
SOUTH KOREA AND BLOCKCHAIN
In recent weeks itself, South Korea has announced various blockchain technology incorporations. KEB Hana Bank, one of the country’s prominent banks partnered with Korea Expressway Corporation to apply blockchain to the toll systems for the nation’s highways. Other blockchain implementations are also there such as people going to the beaches in Busan can now pay for the offered services with Bitcoin and Ethereum. Also, Seongram’s payment program will soon issue gift certificates that are digital.
Apart from South Korea, other countries are also planning to offer the transition of traditional licenses to advanced digital alternatives. Australia NSW government reported pursuing trial for digital licenses based on Ethereum, in the second half of 2018.
