On April 25, the Utah GOP convention reportedly picked their nominees using the blockchain voting platform, Voatz. This platform was previously criticized for numerous security issues in preceding ballot events.

Equally Forbes reported, the co-founder and CEO of Voatz, Nimit Sawhney, stated that the platform "performed every bit expected" and managed to process 93% of registered consul votes.

Voatz reportedly a success in Utah GOP convention

Utah'southward GOP chairman, Derek Brown, praised the app, stating that the feedback received was overwhelmingly positive, and the turnout was phenomenal, beating other conventions that practical the system.

Brown added the following regarding Voatz:

"Using Voatz immune us to digitally recreate our usual convention procedures and implement technology in a style that made the procedure more convenient and secure."

The application uses blockchain technology to verify an private'south identity through biometrics and facial recognition. The technology has been subject to pilot tests for political parties, universities, non-turn a profit organizations, amidst others.

However, Voatz has not been without controversy. Recently released reports warn of security flaws in the platform.

Criticisms on the platform's security

Cointelegraph reported on March 13 that the application was subject area to a public audit past the security firm, Trail of Bits.

The app's lack of transparency in terms of data security was criticized in the 122-page report, which noted that Voatz did not use custom chaincode or smart contracts:

"Several high-gamble findings were the result of data validation issues and confused deputies in the core server that could permit one voter to masquerade as another before fifty-fifty touching the blockchain."

Moreover, West Virginia decided on April 27 that it would no longer use the blockchain-based platform to bandage votes for residents with disabilities and citizens residing away for their master elections. Instead, these citizens will utilize a platform offered by Republic Live.

The state was a pioneer in implementing Voatz in 2022, making the move surprising for some.