Will you download the app?

[k1ooo-slr-sales]

Interesting developments:

The battle against coronavirus is going hi-tech, with Australians to be asked to download a phone app that will monitor their movements — but only with their express permission.

The Federal Government believes restrictions on the community could be eased in the months ahead if there's more testing, greater surveillance of those infected by the coronavirus and much faster tracing of those they've had contact with.

It is developing a mobile phone app with the private sector to help monitor Australians' daily interactions.

The ABC understands the app will be ready in a fortnight but the Government believes it would need at least 40 per cent of Australians to voluntarily sign up for it to be effective.

The app would be opt-in only and not mandatory.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-04-14/coronavirus-app-government-wants-australians-to-download/1214...

This app will make contact tracing easier as it will enable authorities to contact people via their phones if they have come in contact with someone who subsequently tests positive.

Personally, count me in.  I can always delete the app once this pandemic has settled.  If I was to become really concerned I’d simply get a new phone, new number, new sim! OR, simply turn off Bluetooth 

[davidc4430]

just removing the govt tracking app

[domino-710 · Accepted solution]

More cost effective to just delete it.

[k1ooo-slr-sales]

looks like it is getting close to release

https://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2020-04-21/cyber-agency-supports-security-coronavirus-tracing-app/121...

[domino-710]

Given - my phone has never been connected to the internet - for any reason.

I figure if I now turn it (internet) on - it will take 2 years to update - using 2 years of data.

Besides - I do know where I am.

[tasfleur]

If I tried to turn my "dumb phone" on to the internet it would implode ... 

[k1ooo-slr-sales]

there are reports that the app will be released today.

[rogespeed]

We are virtually under house arrest as it is - neighbourhood watch reporting during the day , and  the vigilantes control the night , rent a crowd controls the retail sector - no one wants to be seen to be implicated as a spreader - unless many newly confirmed have been cagey as to who they have been in " close contact" with - however would habitual social-distancing violators take their phone with them ? or is this just a get used to citizen tracking exercise ? Afterall personal tracking confirms innocence ! 

[rogespeed]

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@domino-710 wrote:

Given - my phone has never been connected to the internet - for any reason.

I figure if I now turn it (internet) on - it will take 2 years to update - using 2 years of data.

Besides - I do know where I am.

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What your phone tells you and what it does can be two different things...... 

[domino-710]

Aaaaaah - that one was ' well ' thought out. 

[springyzone]

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@rogespeed wrote:

We are virtually under house arrest as it is - neighbourhood watch reporting during the day , and  the vigilantes control the night , rent a crowd controls the retail sector - no one wants to be seen to be implicated as a spreader - unless many newly confirmed have been cagey as to who they have been in " close contact" with - however would habitual social-distancing violators take their phone with them ? or is this just a get used to citizen tracking exercise ? Afterall personal tracking confirms innocence ! 

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The answer is probably not, unless they were stupid.

If you had a tracking device on your phone and had been ordered to self-isolate, you would leave the phone at home.

My understanding though is that in Singapore & places where they have installed a specialised tracker, they can ring you at any random time and you're in trouble if you don't answer the phone! So going out without your phone would be a risk.

I don't know about this current aussie tracker thing, if it is the same thing.

Just something I read, bit off topic but thought it was interesting, is that most people who have credit cards, those credit cards have the capability to be tracked to within metres (even if the card is not used), but credit card companies are not legally allowed to do that.