Coronavirus tracking apps could 'pose serious risks to human rights' and may introduce 'disproportionate surveillance measures', Human Rights Watch said today. Governments around the world are introducing mobile tracking apps as a temporary measure until the coronavirus pandemic is under control. A Humans Rights Watch Q&A, called 'Mobile Location Data and Covid-19', looked at how governments are using geolocation data from mobile phones and other devices. The human rights organisation wants governments to consider if using tracking apps is scientifically justified and if there are ways to control the pandemic that are 'less intrusive on rights'. Human Rights Watch said: 'In the hands of governments that already have intrusive surveillance practices, such as China and Russia, this can magnify discrimination and repression.'

Source: Daily Mail May 13, 2020 09:47 UTC