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

 

[moa999]

Also wouldn't be surprised if having the app (or similar) installed and turned on becomes a requirement for interstate and ultimately international travel as they begin to relax things.

 

[DC3]

I'd think the more important stat is 80+% saying Yes.

Early days yet, of course. But then again, what would be the timeframe for ‘after consideration’. Why not just say YES instead?

 

[DC3]

The only shenanigans I care about is getting Australia healthy and the Economy even healthier ....

Foolhardy types notwithstanding.

 

[Pushka]

Early days yet, of course. But then again, what would be the timeframe for ‘after consideration’. Why not just say YES instead?

Because the first option was rather specific about not being concerned with some of the issues others have issued and would download regardless. So it's a survey issue not a responders issue.

 

[RooFlyer]

Did you add a Zero after the 61? That would likely invalidate it.

I did, and it went through no problem.

 

[DC3]

Because the first option was rather specific about not being concerned with some of the issues others have issued and would download regardless. So it's a survey issue not a responders issue.

So, basically 1 and 2 mean a YES.

I read this elsewhere, about “the app”:

‘ .... it won't work unless:
1. you have the app; and
2. you are within 1.5 m of another with the app;
3. for 15 minutes or longer;
4. with phone and Bluetooth turned on;
5. the app works as described ....’

Not an expert, but maybe there’s a bit more to it.

 

[RooFlyer]

So, basically 1 and 2 mean a YES.

Given 1 and 2 are: "Yes, Without Reservation" and "Yes, After Consideration", I think that's a reasonable conclusion.

 

[tomlee1986]

I did not download - because I feel that there is not too much of a gain in terms of tracking - has to be at least 15 mins before it is useful - my trips don't usually last that long, as well as privacy concerns

 

[RooFlyer]

Peter Dutton is the Minister Home Affairs, in charge of the various security agencies in Australia.
...
So far he hasn't spoken a word about how his agencies will treat data collected by the COVID-19 APP.

Possibly because he and his departments can't get within coo-ee of the data? Have you read or even listened to its limitations before reaching for the <put sinister music here> evil Peter Dutton <add echoning bwaaaaaahhhhhaaaa...> to drag an irrelevancy in? On the other hand, you could have asked the same question about Trump, I guess; or Abbott; or I dunno, Boris? I'm sure they are all quivering in expectation to know who I've been close to for 15 minutes.

 

[jakeseven7]

Well hopefully the 80% YES on AFF is representative of the Aus population

 

[dajop]

Downloaded, I think it's working, although I had to send the PIN to activate it to a different phone, as my main phone that I carry is not an Australian phone.

 

[DC3]

Well hopefully the 80% YES on AFF is representative of the Aus population

Why so few responses? Early days I guess.

 

[tomlee1986]

Why so few responses? Early days I guess.

It only is released for 24 hours - people might still think about whether to download the app

 

[RooFlyer]

as well as privacy concerns

I'll bite. What exactly are your privacy concerns? And do you happen to use Google or Facebook, by any chance?

 

[tomlee1986]

I'll bite. What exactly are your privacy concerns? And do you happen to use Google or Facebook, by any chance?

I dont feel it is safe enough for me.. just personal opinion - not saying whether it is good or bad for others, as it is for them to decide if they want to download and use it. For me, I don't feel i want to use it.. i also believe the usage of the app is voluntary??

 

[DC3]

Downloaded, I think it's working, although I had to send the PIN to activate it to a different phone, as my main phone that I carry is not an Australian phone.

So, you are no longer in SIN? Otherwise you would be using the SIN app. Anyway, I may have missed news of your return to Oz.

 

[RooFlyer]

I dont feel it is safe enough for me.. just personal opinion - not saying whether it is good or bad for others, as it is for them to decide if they want to download and use it. For me, I dont feel i want to use it

Fair enough, its a personal decision and no-one is making you do it. But for the benefit of us all, who may not have considered every angle, what are the 'privacy' problems you see and can't get around? Assuming you do use Google and/or Facebook, how would you rate the privacy problems of COVIDSafe to them?

 

[tomlee1986]

Fair enough, its a personal decision and no-one is making you do it. But for the benefit of us all, who may not have considered every angle, what are the 'privacy' problems you see and can't get around? Assuming you do use Google and/or Facebook, how would you rate the privacy problems of COVIDSafe to them?

This is just personal opinion - I feel the data could be misused by other government departments - yes you may say use it as you got nothing to hide, but I just feel we dont need to be tracked all the time.. it is like big brother.. google and facebook does have data, but more likely we willingly provide, not like it is just being pushed upon us.. also google and facebook cant use the data against you, but the information in this app could by government agencies. I just feel there is not enough check and balances on the app written in the law before it is used.. just personal opinion... not trying to influence others whether to use this app or not

P.S. maybe i have from a chinese background, less trusting of governments in general, but i do trust australian government most, but i just feel this is just a step too far.. just personal feelings

 

[RooFlyer]

Ah. I acknowledge your choice, but to be clear:

I feel the data could be misused by other government departments -

No it can't. It can't be used at all by any state department other than health or ANY Federal department, let alone mis-used.

dont need to be tracked all the time

It doesn't track you. At all.

but the information in this app could by government agencies

No, it can't.

Sure, anyone can invoke the 'I don't trust the government' argument, but at the end of the day, I weigh a civic duty and contribution to getting the government-imposed limitations lifted sooner rather than later higher than some tin-foil-hat type argument. Just don't complain when the imposed limitations aren't lifted as soon as you'd like.

 

[tomlee1986]

Ah. I respect your choice, but to be clear:

Sure, anyone can invoke the 'I don't trust the government' argument, but at the end of the day, I weigh a civic duty and contribution to getting the government-imposed limitations lifted sooner rather than later higher than some tin-foil-hat type argument. Just don't complain when the imposed limitations aren't lifted as soon as you'd like.

I do trust the government most of the time, and i do agree there is a civic duty to help the public good, but there can be something written in law before asking us to use this app to help with the issues on privacy for those skeptics out there.. I think a temporary legislation regulating this app and the data collected would provide the best solutions for both worlds... such as a sunset clause, and the compulsory deletion of data after the pandemic would help