Apple and Google Unveil Controversial Tracking Technology

By Stefan J. Bos, Special Correspondent Worthy News

(Worthy News) – U.S. tech giants Apple and Google have unveiled a plan to track down people who may have been infected by the new coronavirus, despite concerns among rights activists. Their software allows governments to roll out apps for “contact tracing” that will run on smartphones such as iPhones and Android.

Software developers already created apps in countries such as Singapore and China to try to contain the pandemic. In Europe, the Czech Republic says it will release a similar app after Easter. Britain, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands are among other European Union member states developing their tracing tools.

Privacy and civil liberties advocates express concerns about these developments. In published remarks, Pam Dixon, executive director of the World Privacy Forum, said she’d be looking closely at the companies’ privacy assurances. Dixon also seeks evidence that any health data will be deleted once the emergency is over.

“People are dying. We have to save lives. Everyone understands that,” she added. “But at some point, we’re going to have to understand the privacy consequences of this.”

In countries such as Communist-run China, activists fear the technology could be used to crackdown on dissent. Additionally, devoted Christians gathering in unrecognized house churches and other minority groups have been targeted by Chinese authorities

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