FT News Briefing Japan’s birth rate, contact tracing in India
May 26, 2020
The impact of COVID-19 on Japan’s birth rate is profound, with couples hesitating to start families amid economic worries. The country faces challenges with labor shortages due to this demographic shift. Meanwhile, India is navigating its contact-tracing app, the Aarogya Setu, as it adapts to public feedback and privacy concerns. The changing landscape of family planning and technology reveals the intricate balance between health and economic stability in these nations.
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Japan's Demographic Crisis
- Japan's declining population and low fertility rate strain the economy.
- Coronavirus concerns further discourage family planning, impacting Japan's workforce.
Concerns about Starting a Family
- Women are concerned about the virus's impact on pregnancy and the economic impact of the pandemic.
- Job and income insecurity discourage starting families in uncertain times.
India's Contact Tracing App
- India's mandatory contact tracing app, Aarogya Setu, raises privacy concerns.
- Despite reaching 100 million downloads, it falls short of the required usage for effectiveness and faces security vulnerabilities.