A data breach in the new Northern Ireland Covid vaccine passport scheme has resulted in some users being sent other applicants’ personal information.
Sinn Fein's health spokesperson, Colm Gildernew said he will be raising the "concerning" issue around the recently launched COVIDCert NI app and service at the recalled health committee on Thursday.
“Significant personal information could have been exposed and it was right for the Department to advise the Information Commissioner’s Office," he said.
"The Department must also ensure that those impacted are made aware of the breach and actions being taken to address this issue."
Officials said the Northern Ireland Covid-19 Certification Service has experienced a technical difficulty and availability will be temporarily interrupted, causing concern for holidaymakers.
The app only went live less than a week ago on Friday night. The announcement of its launch followed a Department of Health statement earlier in the week to say that the interim certification system that allows vaccinated people in Northern Ireland to travel abroad was under "extreme pressure".
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Some people applying for a certificate had also had trouble obtaining a certificate online, via post and by telephone.
The Alliance Party’s health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw expressed worry that this news would "create further public concern about this app, which is already long overdue.
"The public are due a full explanation of how this has happened, and how they can be certain that those using the app to demonstrate vaccine certification for whatever purpose next month will know that their details are secure," she added.
Former health minister and DUP MLA Jim Wells said he’d advise people to think “long and hard” before booking a holiday as the situation could “get very complicated over the next few weeks”.
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“There are bound to be problems with the demand and the quick turn around in setting it up. Other countries may decide to impose more strict controls in response to new variants emerging,” he commented.
The Department of Health said while not all applications will be affected, those undergoing identity validation can continue, but will need to pause once successfully validated. Some users may find they cannot login through their NI Direct account.
Breaking down who is affected the department exlained:
A spokesperson for the Department of Health said: “The department is endeavouring to resolve the issue and will provide a further update as soon as responsibly possible.”
