Are you Going to use the COVIDsafe App?

[serfty]

I did research this a fair bit and I decided I was happy to:

Privacy Policy

The COVIDSafe app speeds up contacting people exposed to coronavirus (COVID-19). This helps us support and protect you, your friends and family. Please read the content on this page before downloading.

www.health.gov.au

 

[MTAB]

I tried but it turns out my phone (an OPPO something or other) isn’t capable of getting the app. It has no problems with any other app I have downloaded. I called and they suggested I buy a new phone — not keen on that. Disappointed. My wife has an even more primitive mobile (it does on the basic phone tasks — imagine that). I’m wondering if older Australians will have the lowest level of take-up due to technology.

 

[OATEK]

I’m wondering if older Australians will have the lowest level of take-up due to technology.

They may also have the lowest levels of mobility, so are probably not the primary target.

 

[prozac]

I registered for the app using a pseudonym as permitted in the T&Cs for the CovidSAFE app. I respect that a suitable agency could do a reverse number lookup, however that's not in the permitted uses.

If I' get a text or a phone call looking for 'Vladimir" and it's from from an Indian telemrketing selling me rooftop solar panels - then I'll know the source.

Missus prozac signed up with a pseudonym and won't tell me what it is. lol.

 

[Princess Fiona]

Not having been through the previou 10 or so pages I don't know if this article against the app has been posted. Worth a read.

Former top public servant: I won't download the coronavirus app

She trusts her data on Twitter though

 

[DC3]

Not having been through the previou 10 or so pages I don't know if this article against the app has been posted. Worth a read.

Former top public servant: I won't download the coronavirus app

“...Professor Lesley Seebeck, the former Digital Transformation Agency chief investment and advisory officer who is now the head of the Australian National University Cyber Institute, said the government had a history of grabbing as much data as it could under technology and security laws .... “

What to make of this?

 

[tomlee1986]

“...Professor Lesley Seebeck, the former Digital Transformation Agency chief investment and advisory officer who is now the head of the Australian National University Cyber Institute, said the government had a history of grabbing as much data as it could under technology and security laws .... “

What to make of this?

To be honest.. I am not surprised by it what so ever

 

[p--and--t]

“...Professor Lesley Seebeck, the former Digital Transformation Agency chief investment and advisory officer who is now the head of the Australian National University Cyber Institute, said the government had a history of grabbing as much data as it could under technology and security laws .... “

What to make of this?

Immediately sprang to mind:

• On what grounds did she leave her previous job?
• What are her views on conspiracy theories in general?
• Just one of the "outliers" of the "normal curve", just with a job that gives prominence
• Who cares, "caveat emptor"

Note: her previous job was in finance role - NOT security per se

 

[OATEK]

“...Professor Lesley Seebeck, the former Digital Transformation Agency chief investment and advisory officer who is now the head of the Australian National University Cyber Institute, said the government had a history of grabbing as much data as it could under technology and security laws .... “

What to make of this?

"
I particularly like the bold expression that "the government had a history of grabbing as much data as it could under technology and security laws". If so, what is left to grab here?

 

[p--and--t]

"
I particularly like the bold expression that "the government had a history of grabbing as much data as it could under technology and security laws". If so, what is left to grab here?

This app and its data adds zero to what the gov already has access to when it wants. They have far more than that readily available to them if they decided to go down that path (possibly already have subject to budget constraints).

Every mobile cell tower you come within range of (i.e. your phone actually works) is tracking you and everyone else down to within a few metres.

With the right algorithms and enough available computing power they could have a screen on a wall showing you and everyone around you with all your details held on record in gov departments and your every movement 24/7 accompanied by security camera footage that may be available from councils and/or people who are using WiFi to communicate to their business/home cameras.

Walking a few hundred metres down Elizabeth Street 24/7 in Melbourne would record you on security camera footage dozens of times.

 

[nic0]

I won't be using it. Don't really have any issues with it, seems safe enough to use from a privacy perspective ignoring all the tinfoil hat conspiracy theories - however i don't think there is a point here in WA. Would make sense if you are in a very densely populated area though.

 

[get me outta here]

SBS staff are hoomans and can make mistakes. If media outlets are perfect I'd be surprised whether publicly funded or not. All other publicly funded orgs, just think governments for example are not perfect either. Meanwhile, the budgets of publicly funded media are cut leading to more criticisms of, 'I told you so'.

If due to nomenclature mistakes the take up of the app delayed by a few days, it will still be fine.

Anyone who would like a good example of truly awful reporting could have a look at Media Watch from last Monday. Media Watch

Sure, but the difference being that SBS:

* Is a nationally funded organisation with a substantial budget
* Prides itself on the accuracy of its news
* Tracking Vs tracing is an acknowledged critical distinction when people are suspicious of the app

 

[Daver6]

“...Professor Lesley Seebeck, the former Digital Transformation Agency chief investment and advisory officer who is now the head of the Australian National University Cyber Institute, said the government had a history of grabbing as much data as it could under technology and security laws .... “

What to make of this?

Well given the massive breach ANU had at the hands of the Chinese government....

 

[p--and--t]

SBS staff are hoomans and can make mistakes. If media outlets are perfect I'd be surprised whether publicly funded or not. All other publicly funded orgs, just think governments for example are not perfect either. Meanwhile, the budgets of publicly funded media are cut leading to more criticisms of, 'I told you so'.

If due to nomenclature mistakes the take up of the app delayed by a few days, it will still be fine.

Anyone who would like a good example of truly awful reporting could have a look at Media Watch from last Monday. Media Watch

Media watch - one of my favourite programs. Don't always agree on analysis but informative & inciteful.

 

[Pushka]

Not having been through the previou 10 or so pages I don't know if this article against the app has been posted. Worth a read.

Former top public servant: I won't download the coronavirus app

I'm just not that interesting for anyone to bother trying to find out more about me.

 

[RooFlyer]

Not having been through the previou 10 or so pages I don't know if this article against the app has been posted. Worth a read.

Former top public servant: I won't download the coronavirus app

What to make of this?

Another fool outs herself.

 

[sydunipete]

I've installed it and I have no concerns based on several reports I've read. One was from a technical guy who reverse engineered the app to demonstrate the app only did what the government said it did - so that was good enough for me.

BUT - even if you have some concerns I would strongly suggest that any potential reduced privacy on the part of an individual is far outweighed by the improved chance of liberty and economic recovery for us all. For the first time in many of our lives we are being asked to (potentially) put the wellbeing of the community ahead of our own sensitivities. I vote Yes.

 

[RooFlyer]

I’m wondering if older Australians will have the lowest level of take-up due to technology.

I helped my 80 y-o neighbour install it today

 

[DC3]

This app and its data adds zero to what the gov already has access to when it wants. They have far more than that readily available to them if they decided to go down that path (possibly already have subject to budget constraints).

Every mobile cell tower you come within range of (i.e. your phone actually works) is tracking you and everyone else down to within a few metres ...

So, just another app for our phones.

 

[MTAB]

They may also have the lowest levels of mobility, so are probably not the primary target.

True, but some (all?) people have parents who are older (probably due to biological logic) or older relatives whom they may visit and the older group are the most at risk.

 

[get me outta here]

A bit of background to 'work experience':

Professor Seebeck has extensive experience in strategy, policy, management, budget, information technology and research roles in the Australian Public Service, industry and academia. She has worked in the Departments of Finance, Defence, and the Prime Minister and Cabinet, the Office of National Assessments, and as an IT and management consultant in private industry, and at two universities.

Professor Seebeck has a PhD in information technology, an MBA, a Masters in Defence Studies and a Bachelor's degree in Applied Science (Physics).

Immediately sprang to mind:

• On what grounds did she leave her previous job?
• What are her views on conspiracy theories in general?
• Just one of the "outliers" of the "normal curve", just with a job that gives prominence
• Who cares, "caveat emptor"

Note: her previous job was in finance role - NOT security per se