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 

[twyngwyn]

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-04-26/coronavirus-tracing-app-covidsafe-australia-government-covid-...

Yes, you would both need the app

[joz*garage]

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@k1ooo-slr-sales wrote:

I just downloaded the app. There is information that needs to be submitted like name, age range, mobile number and postcode.

The name you input can be a pseudonym.  You can put your name in as Mickey Mouse if you wanted to.  Your name is not important for the app.  The thing that is important is being able to download the contact information of those you are in contact with IF you or one of those people develop COVID-19.

- Information is only downloaded from your phone if you get COVID-19

- Only health officials can access the data with your permission

- The app DOES NOT record geolocation

- Data your phone records is wiped on a 21 day cycle

- You can turn off Bluetooth if you want to suspend your participation

- You can delete the app at any time

If you don’t download the app you have nothing to worry about . . . except potentially missing early notification of having been close to someone who develops COVID-19

For those who are worried about privacy, ask yourself this question: Do you know what permissions you have given for all the apps on your phone?

I have downloaded apps that have asked for permission to access contacts, messages, photos, call history etc.  I never give those permissions . . . but many people do!

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I watched an atricle about this on TV last night, and like the idea that it's safe & of quick notications

so i downloaded it.

[bright.ton42]

Ah ok that makes sense.  Thanks k1.

[bright.ton42]

Another question....  I've never understood Bluetooth or used it,  but on doing a bit of research I get the idea it can make your phone vulnerable to others?     So then if I download the app  I would only turn it on if I expect to be in touch with someone for 15 mins? 

Like in the waiting room of a doctor?   (where I will be in a few days)

Edit //////Just checking my phone when I turn on Blutooth it says Not connect3ed.So that's than then.

[icyfroth]

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@lyndal1838 wrote:

That will be interesting....there a plenty of elderly people who have no need for a mobile phone so why should they have to buy one to prove to the government that they have not left their homes.

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Well, seeing elderly ppl are on the way out...

[dontmissthese]

Have to laugh out loud when I hear "The government already has enough information".
The government already knows your real name, address and phone number.
Google can probably fill in the blanks.
Privacy.
Valid point because you don't want anyone to know if you are being naughty.
We can't have them know about that special person we are sneaking out to see or
whether we are visiting a drug dealer.
Honestly, what privacy are you trying to protect unless it relates to you doing something

naughty or illegal ?

Maybe protecting yourself from the government discovering that you don't go anywhere
or do anything.

I won't be downloading the app because most of the time I just forget my smart phone

at home. I only got one because it was cheap and just in case of a car break down on the

road too far from a roadside emergency phone. Any other time it's for connecting to the

internet while overseas.

[icyfroth]

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@dontmissthese wrote:

Have to laugh out loud when I hear "The government already has enough information".
The government already knows your real name, address and phone number.
Google can probably fill in the blanks.
Privacy.
Valid point because you don't want anyone to know if you are being naughty.
We can't have them know about that special person we are sneaking out to see or
whether we are visiting a drug dealer.
Honestly, what privacy are you trying to protect unless it relates to you doing something

naughty or illegal ?

Maybe protecting yourself from the government discovering that you don't go anywhere
or do anything.

I won't be downloading the app because most of the time I just forget my smart phone

at home. I only got one because it was cheap and just in case of a car break down on the

road too far from a roadside emergency phone. Any other time it's for connecting to the

internet while overseas.

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I still won't be downloading the App...they can get stuffed!

[dontmissthese]

I thought why not. If I remember to take my phone out and about then it would be nice to know

if an 'infected' was standing too close to me for too long.

After 3 goes at GET and 3 requests for my Apple ID password I gave up.

( password was correct )

Easier to just carry a 1 metre broomstick and swing it around a lot.

[k1ooo-slr-sales]

Bluetooth is a wireless way that devices communicate with each other.

Bluetooth is not dependent on being connected to the internet.  However, you need to connect to the internet to download the app.  Once the app is downloaded the internet can be turned off.

This app works by letting devices detect other devices that have the app that are close by.  If the ‘contact’ is maintained for 15 minutes the devices exchange the information gathered at registration i.e. a name, age range, postcode and mobile phone number.  NO LOCATION information is gathered or stored, just that phones were close to each other.  After 21 days the information is deleted as the contagious period will have passed.

[k1ooo-slr-sales]

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@icyfroth wrote:

I still won't be downloading the App...they can get stuffed!

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icy, what are your concerns?

Don’t you trust the current government?