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Apple, Google ban location tracking in apps using their contact-tracing system

reuters.com

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Re: Apple, Google ban location tracking in apps using their contact-tracing system

#11

Post by jjgreen »

AJRF wrote: post #3

I've been wondering about the UK contact tracing app because they seem to be deliberately misleading saying that data is secure on the phone, yet it's a centralised model, and they are using bullshit terms like "clinically secure algorithm" to describe the one-time codes; Is the source code of these apps something that could be FOI requested from NHSx seeing as it is publicly funded by the tax payer? Also they've alr…

Given that Palantir is involved, I'd not touch it with a long stick

https://tech.newstatesman.com/coronavirus/palantir-covid19-d...

Re: Apple, Google ban location tracking in apps using their contact-tracing system

#14

Post by darrenf »

AJRF wrote: post #3

I've been wondering about the UK contact tracing app because they seem to be deliberately misleading saying that data is secure on the phone, yet it's a centralised model, and they are using bullshit terms like "clinically secure algorithm" to describe the one-time codes; Is the source code of these apps something that could be FOI requested from NHSx seeing as it is publicly funded by the tax payer? Also they've alr…

> Is the source code of these apps something that could be FOI requested

There's no need for such a request. They themselves say "We intend to open source our codebase once the design is finalised" here: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/report/nhs-covid-19-app-privacy-secu...

Re: Apple, Google ban location tracking in apps using their contact-tracing system

#15

Post by skybrian »

We probably shouldn't call them "contact tracing" apps since what they plan to do is so different than manual contact tracing. "Exposure notification" is a better term.

Nothing prevents anyone from using their phone's location history to remember what to tell the contact tracing people.

Re: Apple, Google ban location tracking in apps using their contact-tracing system

#16

Post by xkyscore »

Google have flat out banned any apps that have anything to do with combating COVID-19 if they aren't either funded by their government or are a registered health company. I tried releasing a symptom tracker app before Zoe released theirs and it was rejected for this reason.

Re: Apple, Google ban location tracking in apps using their contact-tracing system

#17

Post by AJRF »

jjgreen wrote: post #11
AJRF wrote: post #3

I've been wondering about the UK contact tracing app because they seem to be deliberately misleading saying that data is secure on the phone, yet it's a centralised model, and they are using bullshit terms like "clinically secure algorithm" to describe the one-time codes; Is the source code of these apps something that could be FOI requested from NHSx seeing as it is publicly funded by the tax payer? Also they've alr…

Given that Palantir is involved, I'd not touch it with a long stick https://tech.newstatesman.com/coronavirus/palantir-covid19-d...

Oh wow I had no idea Palintir was involved, I feel like I've finally turned in to the paranoid old fool that people laugh at, but this really upsets me to think of the millions of people who are going to install this without so much as a thought.

Re: Apple, Google ban location tracking in apps using their contact-tracing system

#18

Post by Karupan »

karambir wrote: post #9

Will be interesting to see if they can ban Indian govt. app[1] which needs full location access(clarified)[3]. A lot of people like this app(including me) but also know government does not have good track record in securing private data. Previously Apple were made to bend their rules when India threatened to ban Apple devices if they don't allow TRAI Do Not Disturb app in 2018.[2] [1] https://play.google.com/store/ap…

Does the Indian app use the contact tracing API? I was under the assumption that it used the regular location/Bluetooth APIs in android.

Re: Apple, Google ban location tracking in apps using their contact-tracing system

#19

Post by kristianc »

Somewhat inevitable that the briefing will begin tomorrow against Apple and Google that American big tech firms are deliberately frustrating attempts to fight COVID and wouldn’t it be better if we just taxed them out of existence.

Shame, as a UK citizen I’m entirely supportive of the stance Apple and Google are taking.

Re: Apple, Google ban location tracking in apps using their contact-tracing system

#20

Post by dkdk8283 »

AJRF wrote: post #3

I've been wondering about the UK contact tracing app because they seem to be deliberately misleading saying that data is secure on the phone, yet it's a centralised model, and they are using bullshit terms like "clinically secure algorithm" to describe the one-time codes; Is the source code of these apps something that could be FOI requested from NHSx seeing as it is publicly funded by the tax payer? Also they've alr…

Contact tracing is a wet dream for five-eyes.

I don't even think it will even be effective given the anticipated number of cases.

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