Ever since the not-so-successful TraceTogether, the government has decided to come up with a new corona tracking measure.
Namely, the wearable contact-tracing device.
News of this has gained traction over the last few days. You got some people even signing a petition against it, claiming it invades personal privacy.
Not the best first reaction to something supposedly helpful.
Luckily, we actually have some good news regarding this new device. One that doesn’t involve totally breaking your privacy.
But first, let’s double back on why we even need this device in the first place: TraceTogether’s issues.
Issues With Some Phones
Or more specifically, Apple Devices.
The TraceTogether app identifies people in close contact with a coronavirus patient via wireless Bluetooth technology.
However, when an iPhone even minimises the app, the Bluetooth function turns off with it. This then limits the amount of accurate data.
Additionally, only 1.5 million people have downloaded the app which amounts to only a quarter of the population.
So yeah, not the greatest success.
Which brings us to the good news today.
Will Not Track Location
I can sense a lot of eyes widening but don’t worry, we’ll get to that in a moment.
According to The Straits Times, the tracking device will not track an individual’s location.
In fact, those who prefer to use TraceTogether will still be able to do so.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Balakrishnan, recently responded to his Facebook video posted on 5 June some queries from the public.
He addresses the aforementioned concern, stating that “It acts as a personal diary, uses Bluetooth proximity data to collate prolonged close contacts.”
The data in the personal device is encrypted and erased automatically after 25 days. Unless the person is infected, the information stays in the device.
Huge sigh of relief there.
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He also says that the device was to aid those without smartphones or whose phones could not run the app well.
Additionally, it will be able to communicate with TraceTogether to maximise transmissions.
Dr Balakrishnan also added that the device’s battery should last many months. Hence, it would not be replacing things like EZ-Link or other transport cards.
His full video on the contact-tracing device can be found below:
https://www.facebook.com/30332546206/videos/685499132183161
So maybe now you’d think, “Maybe people won’t be so uptight about it, right?”
However, there are those who still express concern about the device.
Opposing Views From Opposition
In fact, the Singapore People’s Party (SPP) released a statement on Facebook in response to Dr Balakrishnan’s video.
The post was made by the party’s assistant secretary-general Ariffin Sha.
They express concern that regardless of the pandemic, the government should be mindful of using such a device.
Concern over cybersecurity was also indicated and they cited past incidents such as the leaking of 14000 HIV-positive individuals last year.
As mentioned, a petition was also started for those who wanted to reject this new device. It currently has over 30000 signatures as of this writing.
However, a lawyer from Pinsent Masons MPillay defended the proposed device, saying that it will have privacy implemented by design, much like TraceTogether, so users should not worry too much.
This whole contact tracing thing seems to be at a standstill for now. Only time will tell the end result of this situation.
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