LAUNCH | Mauritius Government Launches Multi-Sectoral Blockchain Verification System for Citizen Records

The Vice-President of the Republic of Mauritius, Mr Marie Cyril Eddy Boissézon, has launched a blockchain-based eVerify service during a workshop at the Caudan Arts Centre, in Port Louis.

The workshop, focusing on the ‘Future of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) Regulations’, was organised in the context of the 21st anniversary celebrations of the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (ICTA).

According the Government Information Service (GIS) on Facebook, present at the launch were:

• The Minister of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation, Mr Darsanand Balgobin
• The Chairperson of the ICTA, Mr Dick Christophe Ng Sui Wa,
• and other eminent personalities were also present

Blockchain-based eVerify services refers to a system or platform that utilises blockchain technology to verify and authenticate various types of information or transactions electronically. The eVerify Services, characterised by highly user friendliness and cost-effective aspects, will give added assurance to the different stakeholders and the public using licences issued by the Authority.

According to Mr. Darsanand Balgobin, the eVerify services harness the inherent characteristics of blockchain, such as immutability, transparency, and security, to establish trust and ensure the integrity of data or documents. Blockchain-based eVerify services, he informed, have applications in various sectors, including:

• Education for verification of academic credentials
• Healthcare for patient records
• Supply chain for product authenticity
• Legal and regulatory for contracts and documents

In his keynote address, Vice-President Boissézon remarked that as new technologies drive new businesses, government must enforce regulations so as to protect citizens and ensure fair market. He added that the rapid convergence of new technologies has transformed the ICT landscape almost beyond recognition.

Boissézon said emerging technologies such as Blockchain, Big Data, Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things are creating new ways for consumers to interact and disrupt traditional business models.

The key challenge, he highlighted, is how to best protect citizens, ensure fair market share, enforce regulations while allowing the new technologies to flourish. He underlined that regulations are a key factor to promote sustainable inclusive growth, social welfare, and environmental protection.