Comment on UK contact-tracing app U-turn
June 18, 2020NEWS FROM THE OPEN KNOWLEDGE FOUNDATION
EMBARGO: IMMEDIATE
COMMENT ON CORONAVIRUS CONTACT-TRACING APP U-TURN
The UK Government is switching its plans for a centralised coronavirus contact-tracing app to a model based on technology provided by Apple and Google, the BBC has reported.
The Apple-Google design is widely considered more privacy-centric, and the move echoes a similar decision taken in Germany.
Countries such as Ireland are using a decentralised model, where information is only held on individual smartphones, not a server.
A recent opinion poll for the Open Knowledge Foundation found widespread support for the introduction of a contact-tracing app in the UK at 65 per cent, but 90 per cent of respondents said it is important that any app takes account of civil liberties and protects people’s privacy.
Catherine Stihler, chief executive of the Open Knowledge Foundation, said: “Technology can play a key role in the global response to the coronavirus pandemic, but it must take account of civil liberties and ensure that people’s privacy is protected.
“There were widespread fears the UK Government was losing sight of ethical responsibilities in the rush to develop these tools, and this change in line with other European nations is therefore welcome.
“But this late U-turn means it is likely the UK will be waiting even longer for an app to be in use, which could pose a greater risk if there is a second wave of the virus.”
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-53095336
Recent opinion poll findings: https://blog.okfn.org/2020/05/04/new-opinion-poll-uk-contact-tracing-app-must-take-account-of-human-rights/
Contact: Alan Roden at [email protected] or +44 (0)7753 904 531
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