Scientists Endorse “Contact Tracing Apps”

[AppDefects]

More than 300 scientists from around the globe have banded together to sign a joint statement that endorses “contact tracing Apps” here is the statement. Basically, like any good scientist they want data. They are demanding access to the "social graph" and this letter says the data will be used for good, for a limited time...

[CraginS]

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@AppDefects wrote:

More than 300 scientists from around the globe have banded together to sign a joint statement that endorses “contact tracing Apps” here is the statement. Basically, like any good scientist they want data. They are demanding access to the "social graph" and this letter says the data will be used for good, for a limited time...

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hmmm. some thoughts come to mind.

1. unintended consequences

2. the is no such thing as universal "scientific ethics" .. .(see Tuskegee Study')

3. slippery slopes can be real

4. "for a limited time"... "I've a bridge to sell you"

 5. demanded? under what authority?

[Caute_cautim]

@CraginS @AppDefects    Yes, there are a lot of implications:  They might be better using GPS data instead?

https://www.wired.co.uk/article/bluetooth-contact-tracing-app

Under emergency powers within Governments, Privacy literally goes out the door.

Regards

Caute_cautim

[Caute_cautim]

Here is the view of a cryptographer, very sensible and explains the risks of a centralised tracking system:  https://itwire.com/government-tech-policy/cryptographer-suggests-australia-adopt-decentralised-model...

Regards

Caute_cautim

[CraginS]

I think it is time to make 1984 required reading for both public policy authorities AND cyber techies!

Craig

[CISOScott]

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@CraginS wrote:

I think it is time to make 1984 required reading for both public policy authorities AND cyber techies!

Craig

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The problem is that I think they have and think it is an instruction guide rather than a warning.

[Caute_cautim]

@CraginS   Shall we start the campaign? 

https://www.amazon.com/1984-George-Orwell-ebook/dp/B003JTHWKU

0.55 cents US

Regards

Caute_cautim

[Caute_cautim]

Well you only have to keep watching as it develops: 

https://www.bankinfosecurity.com/australia-releases-covidsafe-contact-tracing-app-a-14185

All weekend Twitter conversations have been going on - as of today 2 million Australian's have signed up and increasing.  How long before they become a target and someone seriously become embarrassed?

Regards

Caute_cautim

[Steve-Wilme]

The initiatives do rather assumes the populous carry a smartphone everywhere that they go.  Maybe a sufficient proportion of people do to enable contact tracing, but this approach ignores those that don't own a smartphone; which may include particularly vulnerable groups like the elderly or the homeless.

[Caute_cautim]

You are simply going to roll over laughing over this one:

https://itwire.com/government-tech-policy/covidsafe-app-aws-using-chinese-owned-data-centre-in-sydne...

Regards

Caute_cautim