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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

#31

Post by fooey »

Karupan wrote: post #18
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.

The contact tracing API hasn't been released yet

It's scheduled for "mid-May"

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

#32

Post by raskilinov »

dkdk8283 wrote: post #20
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.

Perhaps not but would be useful for planning and prep for wave 2 onwards.

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

#33

Post by TLightful »

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...

Palantir involvement?

Yup ... I'll take the coronavirus, please.

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

#34

Post by cm2187 »

dkdk8283 wrote: post #20
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.

You don't think the 5 eyes don't get handed out mobile data location directly from the cariers? I am more concerned about a database that will inevitably be accessed by lots of researchers, and of course one will think it's a good idea to store a copy on a USB key or a public s3 bucket, etc. It the same story happening again and again and again...

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

#35

Post by Karupan »

fooey wrote: post #31
Karupan wrote: post #18

Earlier quoted context omitted.

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

The contact tracing API hasn't been released yet It's scheduled for "mid-May"

Thanks, just looked it up as well. But to the GP’s point, I do hope Google/Apple start banning apps (especially released by governments) even if they don’t use the contact tracing API.

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

#36

Post by mantap »

Traster wrote: post #5
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…

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 don't think that's what they're doing. Intersection of people who care about privacy and people who wouldn't see through that tactic is tiny.

They are using the NHS brand to get high adoption.

Plus the UK govt slogan right now is literally "protect the NHS", the existing Conservative party opposition to the NHS is basically gone now, hopefully for good.

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

#37

Post by fooey »

ramshorns wrote: post #8

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.

Yeah, in this case, I think it's clear that if GPS data was attached, user adoption would be ruined.

The most important thing is to get absolutely as many people possible using the technology.

Besides, for their own selfish reasons, neither Google or Apple want to be so blatantly attached to something that could be so easily abused.

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

#39

Post by Spivak »

cratermoon wrote: post #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?

It’s only absurd when you assume that access implies blanket authorization.

Apple Maps is allowed to use my location for the purpose of providing me directions. Sure privacy policies are usually overly broad but for sure “to allow Mark in accounting to track his ex’s” aren’t part of it.

I don’t see a contradiction in two large players refusing to cooperate with governments that want to slurp up people’s location data. They might lose the court case and be forced to allow it but I see no absurdity in the fight.

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