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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

#21
post #5
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…

I think this is actually quite innovative from the Uk government, take the existing NHS brand which has been a thorn in the side of the Conservatives for decades, co-opt the brand for dodgy spy software thta not only tarnishes the NHS brand, but also continues the UK government attempt at tracking every step every citizen takes.

I remember the desperate efforts of Theresa May to pass the snoopers charter for such a long time. And when she became a PM it was on the top of her list, and she did it. And now with that unethical filthy blob as a PM, I only expect the worse of him and his lackeys..

IMHO Apple and Google should have finished the job and "volunteer" to make the app as well as "donate" some of the storages for the data. Not that I trust US companies to respect anyone's privacy, or to the fact that a gag order stapled to a subpoena would give all that data to the "5 eyes"(now 14-15).

I like my health as much as the next living human. But there are so many governments that will jump on this opportunity that it makes me want to avoid this app.

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

#22
So GPS for me but not thee?

"Privacy experts have warned that any cache of location data related to health issues could make businesses and individuals vulnerable to being ostracized if the data is exposed."

Apple and Google already have that data in-house, it's just as vulnerable as any data.

How is this not an absurd stance?

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

#23
I mean, imagine the repercussions of allowing third party apps to do this. It's tragedy of the commons for health info.

i.e. A crappy mobile app that spams notifications when you're around someone who was in contact with Covid infected. One which doesn't have any oversight and motivation other than mobile ad views.

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

#24
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…

Funny you should ask ... https://www.hsj.co.uk/story.aspx?storyCode=7027564

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

#25
post #14
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...

This is why I mentioned the time frame - this goes into trial EDIT:TOMORROW* (still don't think that gives much time to audit the source code) in Isle of Wight, and ITV news said it is going out to the rest of the UK Thursday - so its being installed without any code being shown yet.

https://www.bbc.com/news/explainers-52442754

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

#26
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…

If they ban it, my next phone will be an iPhone.

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

#28
I’m genuinely suprised that an implementation came out so quickly ... one would think the pandemia must have been advanced before the government even considered doing this ... and here we are with Android and iOS approved apps, with bluetooth and permission solutions made by a team of available engineers, implementing goverment documented requirements ... hmmm

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

#30

Sure. It's maybe a bit unsettling to see a global corporate monopoly telling countries what they're allowed to do, but in this case it's the right thing.

I trust a democratically elected government above a duopoly personally, and I'm not convinced the decision of how far to trade off privacy concerns against public health is one those corporations are competent to make.
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