Norway ends virus tracing app, deletes data over privacy concerns

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Norway has suspended use of its smartphone app meant to track and trace coronavirus contagions after a public spat between health authorities and the information watchdog.

Geir Bukholm, an official at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, said the decision Monday to delete data and halt any further information gathering from the app "weakened the country's preparedness" should the infection rate increase. The app was being tested in three municipalities.

Fearing a second wave or localized spread of the infection, the health directorate will argue in a meeting with the data watchdog on Friday that the technology should be turned back on. The app was suspended ahead of an Amnesty International report analyzing contact tracing apps from Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, which found that the Norwegian app was one of the most alarming for privacy because of its "live or near-live tracking of users' locations." The rights group said it shared its findings with authorities earlier this month and urged them to change course.

 

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Guess it didnt go over all that well.

mayoushtak

GoNorway

This is stupid. Health concerns Trump privacy concerns. I think we will have privacy issues in Canada and it may be litigated. But the government cannot back down.

Norway sounds awesome. Canada shouldn't even start doing these apps.

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