Brazil registers its first birth certificate on the blockchain

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Brazil made history by recording its first birth certificate exclusively on blockchain technology. This marks a significant step for the public records department in the country.

According to the announcement, Álvaro de Medeiros Mendonça became the first child to have his birth certificate recorded on the blockchain without the involvement of the traditional registry office.

The significant step was made possible by IBM in partnership with Growth Tech. These two companies came together to create a blockchain-based platform to help with the recording of birth certificates in Brazil. The platform is based on Growth Tech’s Notary Ledgers platform, which provides virtual notary services.

The platform was aimed at eliminating bureaucratic obstacles while increasing transparency and efficiency in the recording of public documents.

Since its launch, the project has seen a positive response from the local community. Álvaro’s father, Waldyr Mendonça Junior, was thrilled to take part in the project. Waldyr said that the registration process using blockchain was much easy and fast. He explained that it took him less than 5 minutes to complete the entire registration process, which, under traditional registration, would have taken days.

While commenting on the registration process, IBM’s blockchain leader in Latin America, Carlos Rischioto, said that the registration process takes three steps. The first stage involves the “Live Birth Statement” made by the hospital. This is followed by the creation of a digital identity for the newborn on the platform. Lastly, this information will be sent to the notary office, finalizing the certificate process.

Despite being the first blockchain-based birth certificate in Brazil, other countries have used similar technology to store public records. Earlier this year, Nevada reported that it had registered about 950 marriage certificates using a blockchain program that had launched in April. Authorities explained that many prefer getting their marriage certificates using blockchain since the process is fast and easy to complete.

Hunter Halcomb, a Washoe County systems technician, explained that owners of certificates on the blockchain could reuse them as many times as they wish. Unlike traditional paper certifciates, blockchain users no longer have to order a new seal every time they want to use their marriage certificate.