Human tracking technologies
Once there is a virus outbreak in a geographic area, digital surveillance is used to identify the virus pattern spread for the government to apply the best preventive and control measures. The surveillance detects incidence rate changes and quickly recognizes the virus syndromes. Therefore, the government collects, analyses, and shares these data as a primary strategy in response to the virus outbreak. These data sources are mobile phone apps, telephone towers, surveillance videos, social media, credit card records, Bluetooth connections, and many other sources. Admittedly, the governments have used Human tracking technologies to track and prevent viruses in the past because it is vital in the control of the spread of a virus.
Although digital tracing is essential in controlling the virus outbreak, the question of infringing people’s privacy comes up. Should there be a balance? According to Andrej and Gstrein (2020) there is a temptation to do whatever is necessary to control a virus. Undoubtedly, there is an increased need to monitor and control individuals in times of crisis, making it essential to limit their freedom.
For example, in the current COVI-19 outbreak, governments have used technology in tracking individuals. According to Wnuk, Oleksy, and Maison (2020), the china government uses artificial intelligence to predict the virus spread and examine an extended amount of personal data related to Covid-19. The tracking system uses personalized location data combined with facial recognition technology to identify suspected covid-19 patients who are not wearing a face mask in public spaces. Besides, the surveillance cameras are placed pointing at the apartment of those who tested positive to enforce the quarantine. Also, drones are used to remind people to wear masks, and digital barcodes highlight individuals’ status on mobile devices.
The Singapore government rolled out an app called TraceTogether. The app shows if a person has been in contact with a potential carrier using Bluetooth signals. While, in Hong Kong, infected individuals wear wristbands linked to a smartphone app that alerts authorities if they leave their places of quarantine.
Without doubt, the South Korean government has gone a little bit further in their measures. The government uses records on credit cards, CCTV videos, smartphone GPRS, and individual conversations to create a system to track confirmed cases and contact tracing. Along with the government launching a tool that helps in monitoring patients in real-time.
Meanwhile, in Israel, the security agencies are using individuals’ phone GPRS in tracking their movements to enforce quarantine control measures for those infected. In the US, Technology giants Google and Apple are collaborating in forming a new technology that will alert users when they have come in contact with a person who has tested positive. The users will sign in to a contact tracing system that uses Bluetooth technology. With all these measures put in place, individuals are left wondering how far the government will go in surveillance and tracking of its citizens.
Data protection and privacy are universal human rights that can be limited during a crisis. This freedom can be temporarily reduced during a public emergency. Certainly, the situation becomes worse when corporates are allowed to access this data. Since owning personal data of individuals by corporates are limited to when a customer wants to use their services. However, during times of virus outbreak like right now, corporates have access to big data for tackling the virus. Leaving very little space for protection and responsible data use (Andrej & Gstrein (2020). While pandemic requires stringent measures, individuals must keep in mind that such data results in data exhaust, which has consequences. Therefore, just because it is a pandemic should not mean that everything goes.
Governments worldwide are using digital surveillance technology in tracking the virus outbreak as they race to reduce its spread. The tracking may be useful in controlling the virus spread, but how long will the infringement of privacy lasts. It may be difficult for the government to slow down when this pandemic is gone. Andrej and Gstrein (2020) note that the protection measures leave a digital footprint that can be misused in the future infringing individuals’ data and privacy globally. Furthermore, political and corporates may use the current situation to justify getting private data that may be used in the future after the pandemic.
In conclusion, although the use of human tracking technologies helps control the spread of a virus. The government needs to balance the need to use technology and personal data for the public good and individuals privacy. Since letting loose personal data of individuals as these infringes their rights. Also, there is a need for a legal framework and regulations of countries’ data policies during emergencies while coordinating with corporate and private organizations. Technology has to be used responsibly. It is essential to check whether personal data collected during a virus pandemic or emergencies are still used by the state or corporates when normalcy returns. Consequences after the pandemic is long gone could be big.