California authorizes blockchain-based government wallet

The county of Santa Cruz in northern California is one of the most recent governments to adopt and implement blockchain-based solutions.

In a meeting conducted on April 25, the Board of Supervisors for the County of Santa Cruz unanimously decided to move forward with implementing the use of digital wallets for government services and official documentation.

The white-label digital wallet powered by HUMBL will commence a three-stage pilot program beginning in July 2023, per the meeting’s ultimate consensus.

During the pilot phase, mobile users who wish to access government services such as bicycle registration and RV parking registration will serve as beta evaluators.

Other potential initiatives would include the registration of park facilities, the monitoring of volunteer hours, the distribution of building permits over the counter, and the licensing of pets.

Following a successful pilot, the county will provide a formal report and an implementation plan no later than September 2023, according to Supervisor Zach Friend of Santa Cruz County, who is involved in the situation. Said:

“We believe the value of digitizing paper documents, records, and services is an important step forward for the convenience of Santa Cruz County residents and improving equity and access for our community.”

In April 2022, the digital wallet initiative began to take shape after the Santa Cruz Board of Supervisors began collaborating with HUMBL on the digital wallet technology infrastructure required to launch a pilot program.

Local officials are moving forward with plans for a digital wallet, but a public discussion forum on the county’s website disclosed that residents are concerned.

A commenter by the name of Becky Seinbruner requested a “pause in further action and development” of the digital wallet.

Seinbruner cited concerns over the infrastructure provider HUMBL’s “inappropriate use and sale of personal data.”

During the pilot phase, according to the official documents, local officials will evaluate whether consumers trust the underlying technology and comprehend what is occurring “under the hood.”