In its new update, Google has upgraded its Passes API that will be able to store and access COVID vaccination and test information on Android devices. This dedicated Card also known as COVID Card will create a shortcut on the user device home screen to display COVID vaccination and test information stored on their Android devices. This will also enable you to share your information, but will not be shared by the company on any third-party app and will not be used for targeting ads.
As per the latest blog post, developers from healthcare organizations, government agencies and organizations authorized by public health authorities to distribute COVID vaccines and/or tests will have access to these APIs to create a digital version of COVID vaccination or test information. According to Google the Passes API or digital COVID card feature will be initially released in the United States followed by other countries.
Using COVID Card the users will get access to all their information stored on it and a shortcut will be created on their device home screen, even when they are offline or in areas that have weak internet service. The service is accessible to a device running Android 5 or later and be Play Protect certified. Also, there is no compulsion to have the Google Pay app installed on their device.
The new COVID Card is also said to come with privacy and security features as it will store user’s COVID vaccination and test information. Also one needs to manually store it on each device when the user wants to access this information on multiple devices.
Additionally, Google will not store a copy of the user’s COVID vaccination or test information. Users can also choose to COVID Card to others however Google will make sure your information is not being shared with its various services or third parties and it is not used for targeting ads.
To make your info more secure a lock screen is required in order to store a COVID Card on a device. To protect the user’s personal information they will be asked for the password, pin or biometric method set up for their Android device.
Besides this Google API or Google Pay for Passes also allows users to save boarding passes, loyalty programs, offers, gift cards, or tickets to their phones for easy access at the right time.
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