The UAE PASS project is working on an update of their technology through blockchain technology. Deca4 and Ava Labs have collaborated with the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), which will help incorporate Avalanche technology into the blockchain layer used by the UAE PASS Digital Vault.
Deca4 will oversee the implementation process alongside the TDRA, whereas Ava Labs will offer Avalanche infrastructure.
UAE PASS has gained great significance in terms of digital services in the UAE. It allows users to authenticate themselves as well as access various services and sign documents.
According to statistics provided in the announcement, the number of users on the platform is around 12.5 million, and access is provided to over 15,000 services in over 350 entities.
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UAE PASS Builds on Existing Blockchain Technology
It must be said that the upcoming implementation of the Avalanche project is not the introduction of blockchain technology to the UAE PASS. The Digital Vault uses the same technology to handle validated official documents.
A user may request, keep, and distribute validated documents. It is possible to make sure, with the help of blockchain records, that the document is genuine and not altered, but there is no need to place the personal data onto the blockchain itself.
“However, the Digital Vault is referred to as a blockchain-based system in UAE government documentation,” but public documentation has no detailed information on its present-day network or design in general terms.
“Digital Vault of UAE PASS has become an inseparable part of the lives of millions of people in the UAE, and their confidence in it is something that we guard every day,” says Saeed Belhoul, Director of Dgov Operations.
How Avalanche Could Support UAE PASS
There is no explanation of how exactly Avalanche will be used. Still, there is a question as to whether the project will leverage the C-Chain of Avalanche or some other structure.
One option that might be considered is using an independent Avalanche network. An independent Avalanche network can be created for the Digital Vault by the organizations using Avalanche’s features.
In such a scenario, the verified organizations would be able to identify those entities that run infrastructure and also systems that would be able to create or validate the entries on the blockchain.
TDRA, Deca4, and Ava Labs have not stated whether the project is going to involve the use of any specific Layer 1, permissioned network, or some other arrangement.
It might not be necessary for users to deal with the blockchain, keep AVAX in their possession, or make any blockchain transaction payments.
Deca4 Leads the Upgrade
Deca4 will lead the technology upgrade process while Ava Labs will offer technical support and infrastructure. As mentioned by Mohammed Mahfoudh, Founder and CEO at Deca4, the cooperation between Deca4 and TDRA would aid in creating a scalable base for the next phase of the Digital Vault.
The objectives would entail facilitating digital documentation and governmental services. No technical metrics, launch time, or performance standards have been announced.
Records could be either transferred to the new system, created using new cryptographic records, or left on the current system infrastructure.
Governance Remains Important
The governance process is sure to play an important role in this project. In the case of using the permissioned network of Avalanche, the TDRA and authorized users will be able to control access to validators, rules, and infrastructure policy of the network.
If the approach based on the public blockchain is chosen, then it will give rise to another architecture of the system.
Deca4 is implementing it while Ava Labs is offering technical assistance, but there is still confusion over maintenance, monitoring, and further upgrades to be made.
John Nahas, Chief Business Officer at Ava Labs, mentioned that digital identity services need the use of technology that works well when used at a practical scale.
This project will put Avalanche technology behind a national service, but its importance depends on how it is designed in the end.
As of now, it is not certain whether UAE PASS will be running an Avalanche network that will be controlled by the government, will be connecting to any infrastructure, or even follow a hybrid approach. It will be interesting to see how exactly Avalanche will play its role in building the Digital Vault in the future.
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