Sony and IBM Team to Secure Education Data with Blockchain

Sony has developed a new educational platform in partnership with IBM that uses blockchain to secure and share student records, the two firms announced today.

Through its subsidiary Sony Global Education, the Japanese electronics conglomerate plans to launch the service sometime next year. Underlying the platform is the IBM Blockchain offering, which was officially launched in March.

The platform will allow educators to exchange information on student progress and achievements. Sony, according to the announcement, is eyeing both primary and higher educational institutions as users of the new product.

Looking ahead, Sony said that it wants to develop additional educational services, with the blockchain platform functioning as the data-sharing layer beneath it all.

Masaaki Isozu, president of Sony Global Education, said in a statement:

"Blockchain technology has the potential to impact systems in a wide variety of industries, and the educational sphere is no exception when educational data is securely stored on the blockchain and shared among permissioned users."

Sony further hinted it is looking at applications for blockchain in the areas of supply chain and logistics, indicating that it would continue exploring the tech for future use cases.

"Sony Group is also considering innovative ways to make use of blockchain technology. It will continue evaluating this system going forward as it works towards the creation of appealing products and services in a host of different fields," the company said.

Sony image via urbazon/Shutterstock