Digital Health Passes in the Age of COVID-19: Are 'Vaccine Passports' Lawful and Ethical?

As COVID-19 vaccination rates in high-income countries increase, governments are proposing or implementing digital health passes (DHPs) (vaccine “passports” “certificates”). Israel uses a “green pass” smartphone application permitting vaccinated individuals’ access to public venues (eg, gyms, hotels, entertainment). The European Union plans “Digital Green Certificate” enabling free travel within the bloc (see eTable Supplement). New York is piloting an IBM “Excelsior Pass,” confirming negative SARS-CoV-2 test status through confidential data transfers fast-track business reopenings. This paper examines benefits of DHPs, scientific challenges, and whether they lawful ethical.