Support for app to track virus violators

THE UK public supports the use of Covid-19 technology that allows the Government to track down and arrest those violating lockdown, according to university research.

New research suggests the majority of people in the UK are willing to use privacy-encroaching tracking technology and “immunity passports” to protect themselves and others in the pandemic.

The study found more than two-thirds of respondents would accept some form of smartphone tracking app to help manage social distancing and the relaxation of a full public lockdown.

The research involved two online surveys with more than 3,500 respondents in total – the first carried out in March 2020 and the second in April 2020, when Covid cases had reached nearly 100,000 and resulted in almost 15,000 deaths.

Both surveys presented two scenarios involving an app, using smartphone tracking data to identify and contact those who may have been exposed to people with Covid.

The first scenario offered the app to participants, which they could choose to download. The second scenario, however, made the app compulsory for all mobile phone users and enabled the Government to use the data to locate anyone violating lockdown orders.

About 70% of respondents accepted the opt-in app and almost 65% accepted the mandatory version with tighter enforcement.

Acceptance was even higher when a “sunset clause” was introduced, offering to delete all personal data after two weeks.