The Intelligence from The Economist An app for that: covid surveillance
Apr 6, 2020
Hal Hodson, Asia technology correspondent for The Economist, delves into the role of digital surveillance and contact tracing apps during the COVID-19 pandemic, weighing public health benefits against privacy risks. Meanwhile, Matthew Holhouse, British political correspondent, analyzes Keir Starmer's emergence as the Labour Party leader and the challenges he faces in steering the opposition. They also discuss the unusual warmth of the northern hemisphere's winter, linking it to broader climate change issues.
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Post-Lockdown Challenges
- Governments face the challenge of preventing new COVID-19 waves after relaxing social distancing.
- Digital surveillance tools like contact tracing apps are being considered to help manage this.
Digital Surveillance's Evolving Role
- Digital surveillance is less crucial during initial COVID-19 spikes when quarantines are key.
- Contact tracing apps become more relevant when restarting economies and managing movement.
Contact Tracing Apps in Use
- Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, and China use contact tracing apps.
- Germany, other European countries, and the UK's NHS are exploring similar apps.