Enterprise content service provider Hyland and DLT network Hedera Hashgraph have partnered to develop blockchain technology that verifies government-issued records. A proof of concept (PoC) of the initiative was presented to the Texas Secretary of State and instigated by the Texas Blockchain Council, a trade association.
The PoC will issue electronic Apostilles, which are internationally recognized government authenticated documents. Hyland will provide the software to process document requests and issue them on a blockchain. Historically Hyland’s credentials have used the Bitcoin and Ethereum blockchains. Given Ethereum’s current high transactions costs, Hedera can provide an alternative, cost-effective secure protocol network layer. Its hashgraph is technically a public distributed ledger technology (DLT) rather than a blockchain.
Hyland’s software is enabled by Learning Machine, a blockchain credentialing startup acquired by Hyland at the beginning of 2020. Its platform is based on Blockcerts, an open standard for blockchain credentialing.
“A blockchain can be utilized as a digital notary. That makes it perfect for validating official records, including identity documents and credentials.” said Hyland’s Head of Business Development Natalie Smolenski. “Governments will be adopting blockchain to prevent fraud, mitigate risk, create efficiencies, and lower costs.”
This partnership seems to be focused on issuing citizen’s records. There are a number of similar projects with an emphasis on validating pre-existing credentials on blockchain and even developing a credential e-wallet. For example, the U.S. Homeland Security is looking to develop a wallet that would hold decentralized credentials such as Permanent Resident Cards. Furthermore, the Velocity Network, which includes Oracle and Randstad, is developing verifiable career credentials on blockchain
Meanwhile, Hyland and Hedera are Strategic Partners of the new Texas Blockchain Council. The initiative is a non-profit association of companies and individuals active in the blockchain industry which aims to promote blockchain innovation in Texas. This is its first official project.
Last year, Hyland launched a blockchain-based education credentialing platform that facilitates verification and sharing of certificates, diplomas and degrees among schools and colleges. As for Hedera, global law firm Dentons recently joined the network, joining high profile governing council members such as IBM and Google.
