A member of the California House of Representatives proposed using blockchain technology to prevent employment fraud.
Jordan Cunningham has introduced a bill that would require the California Office of Digital Innovation (ODI) to explore the possibility of applying blockchain to employment, employment, and social security. According to the parliamentarian, this would speed up identity verification in the state unemployment insurance system, increase the efficiency of social benefits payments and their calculations, and also simplify the verification of the validity of employment contracts.
The bill implies that ODI must assess the risks and benefits of using the blockchain by January 1, 2024, and then notify the legislature of the results of the research.
Last week, the bill was referred to the Assembly’s Privacy and Consumer Committee, which is responsible for reviewing technology-related issues.
Cunningham is a member of the Republican Party, which has already proposed measures to combat job fraud during the coronavirus pandemic. However, many of the initiatives of the Republicans did not receive the support of the Legislative Assembly, where the Democrats still dominate.
The state of California has been actively exploring the possibilities of blockchain since 2018, and a special working group has been created for this. According to Crypto Head, in general, California demonstrates its readiness for the implementation of blockchain and cryptocurrencies, overtaking New Jersey, Texas, Florida and New York in this parameter.