As the privacy, China is now providing an example of just how long-lasting any data changes might need to be - if the virus is to remain contained after the curve has flattened.
So far, much of the the tracking aspect. For example, governments, agencies, and whoever else, needing access to phone location data to monitor the spread. In fact, some apps offer the same service directly to the consumer with smartphones able to track those around the device owner to ensure they are aware if they happen to come into with someone with COVID-19. However, that’s all in relation to the time when the spread is accelerating. In China, the so-called ‘first wave’ has already ed and there, tracking is now just as needed as ever.
While that might not be that surprising to some, the tracking in China in use right now is a prime indicator of the type of monitoring that will need to take place in any country, if they opt to use smartphones as a tool and are intent on maintaining a flattened curve. Detailed in a recent New York Times article, with China’s curve now flattened, the country is in the process of trying to return to some form of normality and reignite the economy. As part of the post-flattened stage, China introduced a new app at the start of March which is used in most public places and essentially acts as a form of health identity. Using a color-coded system, the app can be shown to gain entry to places and public transport by letting others know an individual's current coronavirus status. If you’re green, then you’re good. Red or yellow? That’s a problem.
Phone Coronavirus Tracking Only Useful If All-In
The issue with using smartphones as tools in this fight is that you have to being launched in various countries and are designed to keep people informed on who has coronavirus. The problem is, these apps tend to be opt-in and that automatically rules out a complete picture. In fact, there’s no point anyone ing these apps, if the majority of people don’t. With phone data, if you’re not all-in, it’s not as useful as a tool as many suggest.
The all-on approach also applies to time as well. Right now, individuals, companies, cities, countries, and governments are all focused on slowing the outbreak. While that’s absolutely the correct focus right now, unless some form of monitoring also takes place after the curve has flattened, then it seems unlikely the curve will remain flat for very long. Once the full effects of social distancing have kicked in and the numbers have declined, the natural assumption is people will be able to return to somewhat normal life, including socializing. However, with little information known about the long-term effects of coronavirus it still remains to be seen how long people will remain at risk for. Any quick return to socializing could immediately place those who had avoided exposure at risk once again - unless some separation between infected and non-infected remains in place. While many anticipate a second-wave is unavoidable in general, speeding up the likelihood of that second wave is not going to help the strains and pressures currently placed on the medical industry and front-line workers.
Of course, whether a tracking and monitoring system similar to that currently in use in China could be physically (or politically) implemented in the US is another story. However, that’s the sort of all-in approach that smartphone data requires for it to be effective and remain effective. Otherwise, collecting any smartphone data might prove to be a waste of resources and debate.
Source: NY Times