Politics of North-South contact tracing app hides real problem

Birgit Schippers

Politics of North-South contact tracing app hides real problem

Research output: Contribution to specialist publication › Article

Abstract

"Test, track and trace" has become the mantra in the fight against Covid-19. Digital contact tracing apps are presented as a key weapon in this battle. But their use poses significant technical and political challenges. They promise to deliver a quick technological fix, yet they bypass the complex political and social dimensions of this public health emergency. Should we really put our trust into a digital tool with unproven technological efficacy, and with worrying consequences for our civil liberties and human rights, such as our privacy?

Original language	English
Specialist publication	The Irish Times
Publication status	Published - 26 May 2020

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being

Keywords

COVID-19
tracking app
privacy
civil liberties
human rights

Cite this

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AB - "Test, track and trace" has become the mantra in the fight against Covid-19. Digital contact tracing apps are presented as a key weapon in this battle. But their use poses significant technical and political challenges. They promise to deliver a quick technological fix, yet they bypass the complex political and social dimensions of this public health emergency. Should we really put our trust into a digital tool with unproven technological efficacy, and with worrying consequences for our civil liberties and human rights, such as our privacy?

KW - COVID-19

KW - tracking app

KW - privacy

KW - civil liberties

KW - human rights

UR - https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/politics-of-north-south-contact-tracing-app-hides-real-problem-1.4262980

M3 - Article

JO - The Irish Times

JF - The Irish Times

ER -

Politics of North-South contact tracing app hides real problem

Abstract

UN SDGs

Keywords

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