South Korea’s SK Telecom has launched a blockchain identity app named “Pass,” enabling authentication for different services. Telecom companies KT and LG U+ developed Pass, which has been around since 2018. The Pass allows verification of a user’s driver’s license and is helpful in situations where a person has to prove they are of drinking age without sharing other personal details.

Since the app is linked to the National Police Agency’s license verification system and Korean Highway Traffic Authority, it offers access to other verification characteristics if need be. For example, a user’s identity can be confirmed by the app and linked to the device on which it is installed to prevent fraudulent use.

“This is the first time in Korea to provide a nationwide digital driver’s license verification service. Pass, mobile driving license verification service, will be rapidly expanded in the future to expand the field of use and for mobile financial transactions,” SK Telecom’s Lee Tong said in a statement.

The mobile application was utilized to recognize persons at select convenience store chains in South Korea to limit the sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors. Barcodes offered by buyers can be scanned by store employees utilizing the Pass app to verify buyers’ age.

Since 2014, the South Korea government has taken vital steps in controlling and restricting sales of alcohol and tobacco to minors utilizing false identification cards for purchase. The Pass app is another measure that guarantees to be more productive in achieving this goal.

Other characteristics of the app involve virtual renewal and insurance of a license at the National Driver’s License Test Center rather than obtaining an updated physical card. The launch of Pass follows South Korea’s LG testing of digital currency payment by face recognition. The tech giant considers this method of payment utilizing face recognition, which needs no physical contact to exchange payments, which is more convenient than QR codes and smart tags.