Should We Have Privacy Concerns With Contact Tracing Apps?
One way to combat the spread of COVID-19 is by implementing contact tracing using smartphone apps. Tech companies are rushing to craft APIs and apps to support the project, which utilizes location tracking and personal information.
The outline for contact tracing apps raises a red flag for organizations and advocates concerned with privacy and cybersecurity risks. The primary concern is that the apps will have access to an alarming amount of personal data and movement tracking, in addition to the threat of hackers obtaining this information as well.
Although contact tracing apps seek to offer global benefits by curving the spread of the virus, we should be apprehensive before installing these programs and allowing access to our private information. The fear is that the excessive data collection can be used for applications other than what is initially advertised.
To preserve your digital privacy, you can use a faraday bag to block radio communications and ensure your phone is only transmitting data, including your location, when you want it to.
Current Spotlight on Protestor Surveillance
As protesting populations and efforts grow in the current climate, so does digital surveillance (including monitoring the data on smartphones), putting privacy at risk. Articles like the ones below have been helping protestors understand how to keep their GPS location, movements, and messages private, by encouraging the use of Mission Darkness™ faraday bags. Read the featured articles for further details.
