IBM-backed project seeks to set standard for blockchain work credentials

A group of organizations supported by IBM announced plans to launch a credentialing platform that will utilize blockchain technology, according to a statement shared with HR Dive. The platform — still in development, according to a company blog written by Alex Kaplan, IBM's global leader of blockchain and AI for learning credentials — will provide workers a "permanent, verifiable record" of their learning, certifications and skills. Applicants using the platform will have control of their data and would be able to choose how it is shared, Kaplan said. Kaplan said the initiative seeks to address issues stemming from both the large number of credentials available in the U.S. as well as resume fraud. Partners in the project include the non-profit National Student Clearinghouse and Central New Mexico Community College, both of which are founding partners of the project.