CovidSafe APP: What you need to know

On Monday 26 April, the Australian Government finally released its CovidSafe app to the country, encouraging as many people as possible to download it, but insisting it was not mandatory.

I downloaded it as soon as I had heard it was launched, and there was never any doubt that I would do this. Concerns people had been raising for days beforehand over their privacy did not even cross my mind. All I was thinking was that I wanted to help in any way I could to help our health professionals trace this virus in the quickest and safest way possible, and the way I see it, this app does exactly that.

I can see where people are coming from, but these privacy concerns have been debunked. I guess people are not consuming the right news to see these debunkings. As many people have also been pointing out, you data is EVERYWHERE. Do you use Google Maps? Do you see random ads pop up on Facebook for things you have been talking about buying? Do you accept cookies?

So, here it is. Everything you need to know in one place, in as simple terms as possible.

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The app assists health officials in automating the identification of those who could potentially be infected.

example: you have the virus. Before the app, they would have interviewed you and relied on your memory as to everyone you have been in contact with over 2 weeks. With the app, there is no more memory reliance. They can see from who you have been physically close to (via your data) and can contact those people easier. 

It protects you, your loved ones, your neighbours etc. If that doesn't convince you, most importantly, it protects our health care professionals and essential workers.

The more people that download the app, the quicker authorities will be able to identify cases, trace the virus, get rid of community transmissions. Resulting in a quicker reopen of businesses and a gradual return to normal life.

500 cases so far have been untraceable as to their original source. The app gives us a chance to curb this unknown community transmission.

Your data on the app is ONLY accessible by state/territory health authorities. The government nor the AFP can access this data.

Your data is deleted after every 21 days of use.

The data can ONLY be used to find people you have been in close physical contact with ONCE you have been diagnosed. It will NOT be used to enforce isolation.

It does not track you through GPS. When your app is open, it pings off Bluetooth of anyone else within 1.5 metres of you that also has the app open.

Your details are required for GENUINE reasons;

1. Mobile number: so you can be contacted if you have been close to an infected person.

2. Age range: to determine priority cases within the community.

3. Mobile number: so you can be contacted if you have been close to an infected person.

You have to PROVIDE your consent to upload your data onto the information system. No one can do this but you.

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Currently, the recommendation is to use the app when we; are at work, travelling on public transport etc. There are concerns around the app sucking the life out of your battery. Placing your phone face down with the screen still on puts the phone into power-saving mode.

There are also notable concerns over the server the data is stored on. Currently, the contract has been given to Amazon. The Australian Government has promised to release the code in due time.