COVIDSafe App - Simply Explained
My post has had thousands of hits on Facebook so I've decided to share it to LinkedIn as well
Summary
If you want to help the health department track COVID-19, download and use the app as instructed
You will be informed if you have been in close proximity with someone who has been diagnosed.
Download the app here: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/apps-and-tools/covidsafe-app
More Info
COVIDSafe uses your phone's Bluetooth to track when you have a 'contact-event' with other devices. The government will notify you if you have a 'contact-event' with someone who is diagnosed with COVID-19 within the last 21 days. Your 'contact-event' data is locally encrypted and deleted after 21 days.
Will someone steal my data?
Maybe. Remember, everything can be hacked! However it is unlikely, the data isn't very valuable (valuable data = bank details, passwords, etc.) and has reasonable protections.
Photo: Chris Liverani on Unsplash
*Fun fact* - LinkedIn has probably collected more data on you while reading this post, than COVIDSafe will collect on you while installed!
Will the government misuse my data?
Honestly, there isn't much data here to misuse and they have a shared interest in tracking the virus.
In the long run, it’s possible and likely someone in the government will decide it's a good idea to try and profit from this data, I hope anything they learn/find will benefit the community and I am personally willing to take this risk.
Photo by Jonny Clow on Unsplash
The Android app has been unpacked - My colleague Brad Moore has reviewed it and GPS location isn't recorded. At a surface level, the Bluetooth is only being used for the purpose at hand
Android Users
You will be asked for location access. This is always required on Android when trying to access Bluetooth - the app does not use GPS/maps data
iPhone Users
Apple have very specific app-to-device restrictions and the iPhone app abides by these when accessing only Bluetooth.
Tinfoil Hats
Government trust issues are real and things may change, but the current version of the app seems safe to use.
This virus is here to stay, please do what you can to help fight it 🦠📱📡
Nicely summarised to digest Chris, with appropriate humour too!
Thks Chris!
Happy to like across multiple platforms!
Thanks Christopher Long Agreed let’s be selfless and do our bit for the coming months.
Awesome breakdown here. Clear facts and no bull from a tech expert. Something we’re really yet to see in the news.