# NFTs for the Issuance and Validation of Academic Information That Complies with the GDPR
## 1 Introduction  
In the digital age, the issuing and verifying academic certificates face notable challenges. The widespread presence of counterfeit accreditations and the lack of a universally trusted system for issuing and verifying them create crucial issues within the educational domain. Certificates are traditionally issued by designated educational institutions through their proprietary information systems. Consequently, their confirmation or the validation of their information by external stakeholders is not easily or directly achievable. This could be due to various factors such as a lack of transparency, complex procedures, or limited access to the necessary data or validation methods, making it difficult to confirm the accuracy or validity of the information contained within the system, which in turn leads to doubts about the authenticity of academic accomplishments. The absence of mechanisms to verify academic credentials fosters the emergence of degree mills [1] that sell false accreditations; the circulation of diplomas issued by non-existent academic institutions; unauthorized alterations to otherwise valid accreditations regarding course names, the syllbus, or duration, and the creation of false diplomas within academic institutions by dishonest employees [2]. Additionally, inaccurate translations of academic transcripts or diplomas in resumes may occur when applying for jobs in regions speaking a different language. Beyond diplomas issued by academic bodies, maintaining up-to-date skills and accrediting specific competencies or experience has become imperative in almost every profession,serving as a pivotal factor in securing or enhancing employment. However, at this time there are no dependable or trustworthy platforms where individuals can effectively showcase skills or abilities acquired outside of formal education or training, and therefore it is challenging to demonstrate these skills in a way that others can easily recognize or verify. While platforms like LinkedIn might seem to offer this feature, professionals often tend to exaggerate or falsify their skills to secure better job positions. The existence of a platform enabling not only information display but also easy verification, while adhering to data protection regulations, would significantly benefit qualified professionals, providing them with better opportunities. The implementation of blockchain technology has been considered a promising solution to revolutionize the issuance and verification of academic information since 2013 [3]. However, its application to the educational domain is constrained by personal data protection requirements and compliance with regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe [4], as discussed below. The GDPR establishes fundamental principles to safeguard personal data within the European Union and for its citizens, encompassing the data present in academic certificates. Integrating blockchain technology in education poses challenges in complying with GDPR principles, as its design emphasizes data immutability and transparency. This poses a conflict with the GDPR's requirements [5] for data modification or deletion, such as the right to the erasure or rectification of inaccurate information. Ensuring the privacy of sensitive data, such as personal information in academic records, while maintaining the integrity of information on the blockchain, is a critical aspect when implementing this technology to support the issuance of educational certificates. This research proposes an innovative solution, feasible with current technology, for issuing, storing, and verifying various types of academic information using a blockchain. The objective is to ensure compatibility with the information systems currently available, since expecting entities to upgrade their platforms to adapt to a new system, even if it is universally accepted, is unrealistic.