How does COVIDSafe compare to Europe's contact tracing apps?
4 years, 5 months ago

How does COVIDSafe compare to Europe's contact tracing apps?

ABC  

COVIDSafe was sold as Australia's ticket out of lockdown. And although we do not yet have sufficient empirical data comparing the performance of available models, she suggested it's likely apps built using the Google-Apple framework will work more reliably than COVIDSafe because the Bluetooth detection technique is built into the devices' operating systems. But there is also concern in Europe that exposure notification apps built using the Google-Apple API could be used to track location, especially on Android. The implementation of Bluetooth on Android has long been "inextricably linked" to location permissions Dr Teague said, as some non-contact tracing apps use the technology to work out a user's location. Stay up-to-date on the coronavirus outbreak Download the ABC News app and subscribe to our range of news alerts for the latest on how the pandemic is impacting the world The COVIDSafe version of Android as well as apps made using the Google-Apple API ask for location permission when the app is downloaded — although all insist location is not recorded as part of the contact tracing process.

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History of this topic

COVID tracking app usage on the rise despite concerns of complacency in the NT
3 years, 7 months ago

COVID tracking app usage on the rise despite concerns of complacency in the NT

ABC  

In Darwin's CBD, Faith McMurtrie is busy giving her customers their daily caffeine fix. Key points: The Territory Check-In app has been used almost four million times since December Some residents are concerned about a level of complacency in the community The Health Minister is encouraging Territorians to continue using the app As she works the coffee machine at her …

Apple, Google's COVID-19 tracing tech saved thousands of lives in UK, about time India gets it too
3 years, 7 months ago

Apple, Google's COVID-19 tracing tech saved thousands of lives in UK, about time India gets it too

India Today  

Apple and Google joined hands to develop the Exposure Notifications System to contact trace and alert users about possible COVID-19 exposure. Now a report has claimed that the contact tracing tech has saved lives of between 4,200 and 8,700 users in the UK. “Our analysis suggests a large number of COVID-19 cases were averted by contact tracing via the NHS …

Google Covid-19 Contact Tracing App Flaw Could Leak Sensitive Health Data: Report
3 years, 8 months ago

Google Covid-19 Contact Tracing App Flaw Could Leak Sensitive Health Data: Report

News 18  

Google, in a rare turn of events, joined hands with fellow big tech firm Apple to bring forth a privacy focused Covid-19 contact tracing effort at the height of the pandemic’s breakout in 2020. The report, coming from The Markup in partnership with the founders of mobile privacy analysis firm AppCensus, states a one-line flaw in the Google Covid-19 contact …

COVID app triggers overdue debate on privacy in Singapore
3 years, 11 months ago

COVID app triggers overdue debate on privacy in Singapore

Al Jazeera  

Government forced to amend law around app after it emerges police used the data to investigate a number of crimes. Under the new amendments to the COVID-19 Act, passed in the Singapore Parliament this month, personal data collected by digital pandemic contact-tracing programmes can only be used to contact trace, unless it is required by law enforcement for investigations into …

As Europe faces 2nd wave of virus, tracing apps lack impact
4 years, 3 months ago

As Europe faces 2nd wave of virus, tracing apps lack impact

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Mobile apps tracing new COVID-19 …

UK Begins Testing a New App to Fight Covid-19 Spread
4 years, 4 months ago

UK Begins Testing a New App to Fight Covid-19 Spread

News 18  

Britain started testing a new smartphone app Thursday to help people find out whether they've been close to someone infected with COVID-19 after security concerns torpedoed an earlier effort to use technology to track the disease. The Department of Health and Social Care said that trials of the app began on the Isle of Wight, with testing in the London …

UK claims to work on hybrid contact-tracing app with Apple, not aware says latter
4 years, 6 months ago

UK claims to work on hybrid contact-tracing app with Apple, not aware says latter

India Today  

Days after the UK abandoned its organic contact-tracing app by the National Health Service and announced that it would work with tech giants Apple and Google to work on a hybrid app, Apple has said it is completely unaware of any such app. In the backdrop of COVID 19 with contact-tracing apps becoming a part of the new normal, Apple …

Coronavirus UK: Tracking app dropped for Apple and Google tech
4 years, 6 months ago

Coronavirus UK: Tracking app dropped for Apple and Google tech

Daily Mail  

Matt Hancock tonight insisted Britain will eventually get a Covid-19 tracking app that works after ministers abandoned NHS-made technology following its failure in a trial on the Isle of Wight. Baroness Dido Harding, who is in charge of test and trace, today revealed the NHS's app did not work on iPhones The app developed by the NHS didn't work for …

NHS coronavirus contact-tracing app ditched in major U-turn
4 years, 6 months ago

NHS coronavirus contact-tracing app ditched in major U-turn

The Telegraph  

Officials said on Thursday that many countries around the world, including Singapore, had only uncovered problems with their technology after the systems were rolled out, adding that the new system would bring together the work on the current app and the Google/Apple model. Mr Hancock said on Thursday night that he hoped to make a hybrid app that combined the …

Privacy fears over COVID apps by Bahrain, Kuwait, Norway
4 years, 6 months ago

Privacy fears over COVID apps by Bahrain, Kuwait, Norway

Al Jazeera  

Live tracking of users’ locations puts thousands of people at risk, Amnesty International says. Amnesty International has raised privacy and security concerns over “invasive” contact-tracing apps rolled out by Bahrain, Kuwait and Norway to fight the coronavirus pandemic. The UK-based rights group said on Tuesday an investigation into COVID-19 apps being used by 11 countries had rated Bahrain’s “BeAware Bahrain”, …

COVIDSafe has been downloaded by millions, but yet to identify contacts (and authorities say that's a good thing)
4 years, 6 months ago

COVIDSafe has been downloaded by millions, but yet to identify contacts (and authorities say that's a good thing)

ABC  

COVIDSafe was sold by the Government as essential to lifting coronavirus lockdown restrictions, but the app is yet to provide much assistance to local health authorities. Key points: COVIDSafe data has been accessed just 30 times since launch In Victoria, it has so far identified no close contacts manual contact tracers did not find Health authorities still back the app, …

Coronavirus: Government’s contact tracing app could ‘exacerbate health inequalities’
4 years, 7 months ago

Coronavirus: Government’s contact tracing app could ‘exacerbate health inequalities’

The Independent  

Only half of manual workers, the unemployed and state pensioners say they will download the government’s contact tracing app, according to a new survey, sparking fresh concerns that the system could exacerbate health inequalities. Adam Steventon, director of data analytics at the Health Foundation, said: “The NHS contact tracing app could play a critical role in the fight against Covid-19, …

Canada to ramp up COVID-19 testing and tracing, working closely with Apple, Google on mobile app
4 years, 7 months ago

Canada to ramp up COVID-19 testing and tracing, working closely with Apple, Google on mobile app

Firstpost  

Canada’s total cases rose to 81,765 on Friday, and deaths were up less than 2 percent to 6,180. Canada will ramp up COVID-19 testing and contact tracing as it gradually lifts restrictions and is working closely with Apple and Google on a mobile phone app to help, the prime minister said on Friday. In his daily news conference, Prime Minister …

Apple and Google share contact tracing technology that can help fight coronvirus
4 years, 7 months ago

Apple and Google share contact tracing technology that can help fight coronvirus

India Today  

Authorities in 23 countries across five continents have sought access to contact tracing technology from Apple Inc and Alphabet Inc’s Google, the companies announced on Wednesday as they released the initial version of their system, as reported by Reuters. But authorities would have to stop requiring phone numbers from users under the companies’ rules, one of several restrictions that have …

Google and Apple release technology to help with coronavirus contact tracing
4 years, 7 months ago

Google and Apple release technology to help with coronavirus contact tracing

ABC  

New technology that could help alert people who have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 is being tested to determine if it will work in Australia. Key points: Technology could help solve issues plaguing apps like COVIDSafe Technology could help solve issues plaguing apps like COVIDSafe App users who test positive would decide to notify people they …

Apple-Google contact tracing tool's initial version released, tech draws interest in 23 countries
4 years, 7 months ago

Apple-Google contact tracing tool's initial version released, tech draws interest in 23 countries

Firstpost  

Apple and Google said several US states and 22 countries have sought access to their technology. Authorities in 23 countries across five continents have sought access to contact tracing technology from Apple Inc and Alphabet Inc’s Google, the companies announced on Wednesday as they released the initial version of their system. Developers of contact tracing apps for Austria, Germany and …

Victorian health officials access coronavirus patient's COVIDSafe app data for first time
4 years, 7 months ago

Victorian health officials access coronavirus patient's COVIDSafe app data for first time

ABC  

Victorian health officials have accessed a coronavirus patient's COVIDSafe app data for the first time. Key points: Health officials on Monday identified that a Victorian who tested positive to coronavirus had downloaded and registered the app Health officials on Monday identified that a Victorian who tested positive to coronavirus had downloaded and registered the app It is the first time …

Data | How safe is Aarogya Setu compared to COVID-19 contact tracing apps of other countries?
4 years, 7 months ago

Data | How safe is Aarogya Setu compared to COVID-19 contact tracing apps of other countries?

The Hindu  

According to a database maintained by MIT Technology Review, Aarogya Setu, India’s contact-tracing app to combat COVID-19, poses significant risks to the privacy of the user compared to similar apps in other countries. The apps in China and Turkey pose greater risks for user privacy than Aarogya Setu. The following table lists government-backed apps of 19 countries based on five …

How Effective Are Contact Tracing Apps?
4 years, 7 months ago

How Effective Are Contact Tracing Apps?

Slate  

This article is part of Privacy in the Pandemic, a Future Tense series. But we still don’t really know how effective contact tracing apps actually are—particularly in societies that don’t already have a vast surveillance infrastructure. Iceland’s success in managing COVID-19 might instead be attributed to other factors, including the country’s early testing of high-risk individuals before it even confirmed …

Corona apps well-intentioned but privacy concerns must be addressed
4 years, 7 months ago

Corona apps well-intentioned but privacy concerns must be addressed

India Today  

A massive data leak from the mobile phone-based Quarantine Monitoring System of the Madhya Pradesh government has sharpened the debate on privacy around the central government’s similar Aarogya Setu app. While the idea of such data platforms and mobile applications world-over is to disseminate useful information regarding the spread of cases in the neighbourhood to people and assist government agencies …

With COVID-19 tracing apps comes privacy tradeoffs: Here's why you should be worried
4 years, 8 months ago

With COVID-19 tracing apps comes privacy tradeoffs: Here's why you should be worried

India TV News  

As governments around the world consider how to monitor new coronavirus outbreaks while reopening their societies, many are starting to bet on smartphone apps to help stanch the pandemic. “Governments and public health want to be able to track people” to minimize the spread of COVID-19, but people are less likely to download a voluntary app if it is intrusive, …

Can Australia's coronavirus contact tracing app COVIDSafe lift the country out of lockdown?
4 years, 8 months ago

Can Australia's coronavirus contact tracing app COVIDSafe lift the country out of lockdown?

ABC  

To speed up the process of contacting people who may have been exposed to coronavirus, the Federal Government is asking Australians to download its new COVIDSafe app. "If 40 per cent of people download the app, and if we're optimistic, half of those people are using it properly at all times — including having it running and open in the …

Here come COVID-19 tracing apps - and privacy trade-offs
4 years, 8 months ago

Here come COVID-19 tracing apps - and privacy trade-offs

Associated Press  

As governments around the world consider how to monitor new coronavirus outbreaks while reopening their societies, many are starting to bet on smartphone apps to help stanch the pandemic. “Governments and public health want to be able to track people” to minimize the spread of COVID-19, but people are less likely to download a voluntary app if it is intrusive, …

Coronavirus contact-tracing app could make 'privacy and rights another casualty of the virus', campaigners warn
4 years, 8 months ago

Coronavirus contact-tracing app could make 'privacy and rights another casualty of the virus', campaigners warn

The Independent  

Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The coronavirus contact-tracing app could make the UK's privacy "another casualty" of the …

Apple and Google ban use of location tracking in contact tracing apps
4 years, 8 months ago

Apple and Google ban use of location tracking in contact tracing apps

Firstpost  

Apple and Google said they will not allow the use of GPS data along with the contact tracing systems. Apple and Google have said that they would ban the use of location tracking in apps that use a new contact tracing system the two are building to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. But the developers of coronavirus-related apps …

European virus tracing apps highlight battle for privacy
4 years, 8 months ago

European virus tracing apps highlight battle for privacy

Associated Press  

LONDON — Goodbye lockdown, hello smartphone. As governments race to develop mobile tracing apps to help contain infections, attention is turning to how officials will ensure users’ privacy. Some governments are backing the centralized model because it could provide more data to aid decisionmaking, but nearly 600 scientists from more than two dozen countries have signed an open letter warning …

Apple and Google show what their contact tracing system could look like
4 years, 8 months ago

Apple and Google show what their contact tracing system could look like

CNN  

San Francisco CNN Business — Apple and Google just provided a first look at how public health apps could use the coronavirus contact tracing software they are jointly developing. The two tech companies shared a series of images and guidelines on Monday for governments and public health authorities to integrate with their contact tracing apps, including how users will be …

Remote Telstra customers unable to activate the COVIDSafe app, despite best efforts
4 years, 8 months ago

Remote Telstra customers unable to activate the COVIDSafe app, despite best efforts

ABC  

While Australians continue to debate privacy issues around the new COVIDSafe app, those in rural areas are being forced to go to great lengths just to activate the app before even being able to use it. Key points: Rural communities want to do their bit to help stop the spread of COVID-19 using the COVIDSafe app Telstra customers living remotely …

Australia has COVIDSafe. Here is how other countries are using contact tracing apps in the fight against coronavirus
4 years, 8 months ago

Australia has COVIDSafe. Here is how other countries are using contact tracing apps in the fight against coronavirus

ABC  

More than 2 million Australians have downloaded the Government's COVID-19 tracing app, COVIDSafe. Using mobile phone location data, along with the country's prolific CCTV and credit card transaction records, authorities retrospectively track the movements of people who later test positive. The practice of authorities accessing mobile phone location data purely for contact tracing is not legal in Australia. The country …

Will the Government's coronavirus app COVIDSafe keep your data secure? Here's what the experts say
4 years, 8 months ago

Will the Government's coronavirus app COVIDSafe keep your data secure? Here's what the experts say

ABC  

The Government's contact-tracing app COVIDSafe aims to help track down people who may have been exposed to COVID-19. A spokesperson for Government Services Minister Stuart Robert did not comment on Dr Merkel's analysis, but said "the exchange of the encrypted user ID uses a standard Bluetooth exchange". On Sunday, Health Minister Greg Hunt shared a determination under the Biosecurity Act …

Coronavirus tracing app COVIDSafe released by Government to halt spread of COVID-19 in Australia
4 years, 8 months ago

Coronavirus tracing app COVIDSafe released by Government to halt spread of COVID-19 in Australia

ABC  

Australia's coronavirus tracing app, dubbed COVIDSafe, has been released as the nation seeks to contain the spread of the deadly pandemic. Key points: The COVIDSafe app will be voluntary for Australians to download The COVIDSafe app will be voluntary for Australians to download It traces only contact with other people who have the COVIDSafe app on their phone It traces …

COVIDSafe's effectiveness on iPhone in question as Government releases coronavirus contact tracing app
4 years, 8 months ago

COVIDSafe's effectiveness on iPhone in question as Government releases coronavirus contact tracing app

ABC  

The Government wants 40 per cent of Australians to use its contact tracing app COVIDSafe, but questions remain about the technology's performance on iPhone. Key points: If an iPhone is in low power mode, it reduces the background app refresh and may impact the ability to track contacts If an iPhone is in low power mode, it reduces the background …

Wary Germans hate sharing their data. Will they use a Covid-19 tracking app?
4 years, 8 months ago

Wary Germans hate sharing their data. Will they use a Covid-19 tracking app?

CNN  

London CNN Business — European governments are racing to develop apps that can track the spread of the coronavirus to prevent a second wave of infections when the economy reopens. “The skepticism of Germans in terms of data protection is remarkable when it comes to sharing data,” said University of Mannheim Professor Sebastian Siegloch, who has studied German attitudes toward …

A European Contact-Tracing App Might Be More Privacy-Invading Than Apple and Google’s
4 years, 8 months ago

A European Contact-Tracing App Might Be More Privacy-Invading Than Apple and Google’s

Slate  

This article is part of Privacy in the Pandemic, a Future Tense series. A number of scientists along with Apple and Google have proposed a “decentralized” approach to contact tracing that protects users’ privacy. Thus, the fundamental privacy guarantee of these “decentralized” systems hangs on two simple facts: Unless you’re positively diagnosed, your own pseudonyms will never leave the phone. …

Will COVID-19 Claim Privacy Among Its Victims?
4 years, 8 months ago

Will COVID-19 Claim Privacy Among Its Victims?

Slate  

This article is part of Privacy in the Pandemic, a Future Tense series. While surveillance tools can range from individual contact tracking to aggregate tracking, “none are truly anonymous because public health can’t be,” said Gidari. Gidari was part of Thursday’s Future Tense web event “Will COVID-19 Claim Privacy Among its Victims?” Gidari was joined by Kathryn Waldron, a resident …

Government insists coronavirus tracing app will not track people's locations, says data will be stored on phones
4 years, 8 months ago

Government insists coronavirus tracing app will not track people's locations, says data will be stored on phones

ABC  

Community privacy concerns have forced the Federal Government to insist a coronavirus tracing app will neither track people's locations nor be available for law enforcement agencies to access. Key points: The Government is developing an app to assist with contact tracing confirmed cases Minister Stuart Robert insists the app will not track people's location The app will record names, ages, …

Who can access our data? Does digital contact tracing even work? Five questions about the government's new coronavirus app
4 years, 8 months ago

Who can access our data? Does digital contact tracing even work? Five questions about the government's new coronavirus app

ABC  

The Federal Government will soon introduce a contact tracing app, which aims to identify who someone diagnosed with COVID-19 may have come into close contact with in case they need to be tested or quarantined. "This new tracing app will be voluntary and will digitise the current contact tracing process that already occurs when an individual tests positive to coronavirus," …

A deeper look at Apple and Google’s joint technology to combat COVID-19
4 years, 8 months ago

A deeper look at Apple and Google’s joint technology to combat COVID-19

The Hindu  

On April 10, Silicon Valley giants Apple and Google announced that they were joining hands to create operating system-level technology to help speed up the contact tracing process. To be effective, users need to install a public health app that uses Apple and Google’s service. More importantly, over-reliance on technology may not help as much as investing in manual contract …

Apple tries to give answers to COVID-19 contact tracing tech problems
4 years, 8 months ago

Apple tries to give answers to COVID-19 contact tracing tech problems

India TV News  

Apple and Google recently announced a joint plan to help fight the current Coronavirus crisis. The plan includes COVID-19 contact tracing technology in the form of Android and iOS apps. For this, Apple tries to provide more details regarding the COVID-19 contact tracing technology. Apple COVID-19 contact tracing tech According to a report by The Verge, Apple has provided answers …

Apple registers for Coronavirus domain for COVID-19 contact tracing tech: Know what it is
4 years, 8 months ago

Apple registers for Coronavirus domain for COVID-19 contact tracing tech: Know what it is

India TV News  

Apple has booked a domain name called AppleCoronavirus.com, after the iPhone maker and Google last week announced a joint effort to enable the use of Bluetooth technology to help governments and health agencies reduce the spread of the new coronavirus. Apple and Google are launching a comprehensive solution that includes application programming interfaces and operating system-level technology to assist in …

Apple, Google to create contact tracing technology to fight Coronavirus spread
4 years, 8 months ago

Apple, Google to create contact tracing technology to fight Coronavirus spread

Firstpost  

They will work together on technology that will allow mobile devices to trade information via Bluetooth connections to alert people. Apple Inc and Alphabet Inc’s Google said on Friday that they will work together to create contact tracing technology that aims to slow the spread of the Coronavirus by allowing users to opt into a system that catalogs other phones …

Apple reveals more details about its COVID-19 contact tracing tool
4 years, 8 months ago

Apple reveals more details about its COVID-19 contact tracing tool

India Today  

Apple and Google on Saturday announced that they have joined hands to build a Bluetooth-based COVID contact tracing platform that lets people know when they have come in contact with a coronavirus-infected person. In a joint statement earlier, Apple and Google had said that they are working on application programming interfaces and operating system-level technology to assist in enabling contact …

Apple, Google wants to fight Coronavirus with COVID-19 contact tracing tech: Know how
4 years, 8 months ago

Apple, Google wants to fight Coronavirus with COVID-19 contact tracing tech: Know how

India TV News  

Coronavirus has undoubtedly become a global threat and its reach is expanding with each passing day. Hence, Google and Apple have now collaborated to bring about Coronavirus contact tracing technology for users across the globe. Apple, Google collaborate for COVID-19 contact tracing As announced by both Google and Apple, both tech majors will introduce Bluetooth-based contact tracing tech for the …

Apple and Google plan software to slow spread of coronavirus
4 years, 8 months ago

Apple and Google plan software to slow spread of coronavirus

The Hindu  

Apple Inc and Alphabet Inc's Google said on Friday that they will work together to create contact tracing technology that aims to slow the spread of the Coronavirus by allowing users to opt into logging other phones they have been near. “With Apple and Google, you get all the public health functions you need with a decentralised and privacy-friendly app,” …

Apple, Google to harness phones for virus infection tracking
4 years, 8 months ago

Apple, Google to harness phones for virus infection tracking

Associated Press  

Apple and Google fueled hopes for digital technology’s promise against a fast-moving, invisible killer, announcing a joint effort to help public health agencies worldwide leverage smartphones to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. New software the companies plan to add to phones would make it easier to use Bluetooth wireless technology to track down people who may have been infected by coronavirus …

Apple, Google to create contact tracing technology to fight coronavirus spread
4 years, 8 months ago

Apple, Google to create contact tracing technology to fight coronavirus spread

Live Mint  

Apple Inc and Alphabet Inc's Google said on Friday that they will work together to create contact tracing technology that aims to slow the spread of the coronavirus by allowing users to opt into a system that catalogs other phones they have been near. The technology will first be available in mid-May as software tools available to contact tracing apps …

Can you use apps to track coronavirus and protect data? Europe’s going to try
4 years, 9 months ago

Can you use apps to track coronavirus and protect data? Europe’s going to try

CNN  

London CNN Business — Countries across Europe are looking to launch tracking apps to fight the spread of the coronavirus, without raising the kinds of privacy concerns that surround similar technology used elsewhere. The United Kingdom’s National Health Service told CNN it is “looking at whether app-based solutions might be helpful in tracking and managing coronavirus, and we have assembled …

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