Offline Capabilities

The OpenG2P Social Registry and the Payment and Benefit Management System (PBMS) are designed to function effectively in environments with limited or no internet connectivity. While working closely with the countries we engage with, we identified that connectivity remains a significant challenge. Many regions, especially rural and underserved areas, face inconsistent or limited internet access, creating barriers to efficient social service delivery. To address this issue, OpenG2P has prioritized the development of strong offline capabilities, enabling registration, authentication, and disbursement of benefits without requiring continuous online access. These capabilities ensure uninterrupted service delivery, inclusivity, operational efficiency, and data security, even in areas with minimal infrastructure.

1. Offline Registration

The Social Registry supports offline registration using ODK (Open Data Kit), allowing field officers and enumerators to collect beneficiary data even in remote locations without internet connectivity. Key features include:

• Mobile and tablet-based data collection: Enumerators can use mobile devices with OpenG2P's offline-enabled ODK forms to register individuals and households.

• Form-based data entry: Data can be entered through digital forms that support structured and customizable inputs.

• Local storage and synchronization: The collected data is stored locally on the device and automatically synchronized with the central registry once connectivity is restored.

• Identity verification: Offline verification mechanisms, such as biometric scans and QR code-based identification, can be used to validate beneficiary details.

For a more detailed overview of ODK-based registration, refer to the ODK documentation.

2. Offline Use of Verifiable Credentials (VC)

A key offline capability of OpenG2P is the ability to generate, store, and verify Beneficiary Verifiable Credentials (VC)without requiring real-time internet access. This enables beneficiaries to prove their eligibility for programs and services without relying on a central online system. Key aspects include:

• Digital credential issuance: Beneficiaries are issued cryptographically secure verifiable credentials that can be stored on their mobile devices or printed as a QR code.

• Offline authentication: Service providers, field officers, or other verifying entities can scan and validate the credentials entirely offline using cryptographic verification mechanisms.

• Secure and portable: Verifiable credentials allow beneficiaries to carry proof of program participation in an easily accessible and shareable format.

• Decentralized verification: Since the credentials are self-contained and cryptographically signed, they can be verified without needing to query a central server, making them ideal for low-connectivity environments.

3. Verifiable Credentials for Offline Registration

An emerging use case in OpenG2P is the use of Beneficiary Verifiable Credentials (VC) for offline registration and authentication. This approach allows:

• Beneficiaries to present their credentials as proof of program participation without requiring an internet connection, ensuring service continuity in remote areas.

• Decentralized verification, where service providers can validate credentials locally without depending on a central database.

• Enhanced privacy and security, as verifiable credentials allow individuals to control and share their identity data selectively.

A reference application, 4sure, demonstrates how Verifiable Credentials can be issued and used for offline authentication within the OpenG2P ecosystem. While 4sure serves as an example implementation, the broader concept of using Verifiable Credentials significantly enhances the accessibility and reliability of social protection services in offline environments.

4. Offline Disbursement Using Pre-Populated ODK Forms

PBMS extends OpenG2P's offline capabilities by supporting offline disbursement of entitlements using pre-populated ODK forms. This allows:

• Field officers to receive pre-populated ODK forms containing beneficiary details and entitlements.

• Disbursement of cash, goods, or services even in offline settings.

• Submission of completed forms upon internet restoration to update PBMS with transaction details.

• Automatic reconciliation of entitlements and disbursement records in PBMS.

This ensures that beneficiaries receive their allocated benefits on time, regardless of network availability.

5. Voucher-Based Disbursement and Offline Servicing

A critical feature of PBMS is QR Code-based voucher disbursement, which allows benefits to be redeemed offline. Key aspects include:

• Digitally signed vouchers: Beneficiaries receive a QR code-based voucher containing a cryptographic signature, ensuring authenticity.

• Offline verification and servicing: Service providers, such as hospitals or retailers, can scan and validate the QR code without internet access.

• Reimbursement submission: After providing the service, the provider can later upload the voucher code for reimbursement once online.

For example, consider a patient receiving medical assistance via a voucher. The voucher is scanned and verified offline by a hospital (the service provider), enabling the patient to receive treatment immediately. Once internet access is available, the hospital can upload the voucher details to claim reimbursement, ensuring a seamless and secure disbursement process.

By leveraging these offline capabilities, OpenG2P ensures that social benefits reach the intended recipients without delays, improving service accessibility and efficiency in challenging connectivity environments.