A Critical Review of Blockchain in Certificate Verification Systems: Dissecting the Pros, Cons, and Merger with AI

Abstract

There has been an alarming rate of certificate forgery recently due to the high value placed on certificates. This research examines the pros, and cons of blockchain certificate verification systems with Artificial Intelligence infusion in eliminating certificate forgery in the educational sector. Following a critical review method, 14 studies met the inclusion criteria. Analysis was conducted on application areas of integrated AI and Blockchain certificate verification systems. The findings identified the pros for blockchain in certificate verification systems as price reduction in verification, improved certificate management, informed decision-making, reduction in processing time, and universal access. At the same time, the cons are privacy and confidentiality concerns. The study highlights the benefits of the infusion of AI in blockchain verification systems including certificate generation, issuance, and storage. The research provides recommendations to inform policy for major stakeholders in the educational sector in the implementation and execution of the integrated AI and Blockchain certificate verification processes. The implications of the research findings to practice are discussed.