This is Google’s alternative to the CoronaCheck app

Google has made it possible to store vaccination records for COVID-19 directly on Android phones. This allows the evidence to be consulted directly on the phone without the intervention of another app.

COVID Card on your Android

Google calls it COVID Card and has its Pass API amended. As of today, developers from healthcare organizations, government agencies and other stakeholders have access to this API. They can then create their own variant of the COVID Card. That reports the search giant on the Google Developers blog.

How the COVID Card works

Once you have saved the digital version of the COVID Card on your Android device, you can access it via a shortcut on the home screen. This is also possible if you have no or a poor internet connection. The phone must have at least Android 5.0 Lollipop and be Play Protect certified. The COVID Card is part of Google Pay, but it is not necessary to have the Google Pay app installed on your phone.

How safe is the COVID Card?

You may immediately start to question the potential privacy issues. In any case, Google wants to assure users that they do not keep copies of the vaccine and/or test information in the cloud. The sensitive data is therefore only on your phone, and you can also delete it at any time. Google also promises that it will not share the data with third parties or use it for targeted advertising. Another condition to use the COVID Card is having a lock screen protection. This way, not just anyone can pick up your phone and look at the vaccination certificate.

Where is the COVID Card available?

Google was already working on this capability in conjunction with the Australian government. Australians can view all their vaccination records directly on their Android phone. Google is now opening the API to agencies in the United States, and says other countries will follow. The search giant has not announced exactly when that will be. In the Netherlands and Belgium, the CoronaCheck app and the CovidSafeBE-app now this role.

What do you think of this COVID Card? Would you use it if it was available here? Let us know in the comments below the article.