CovidSafe App Downloaded by 2.5 Million Australians

One of the hot news featured in the media in the last few days has been the mentioning of the CovidSafe App. Namely, the app is a replica of a similar app originating form Singapore. Its main goal is to trace the contacts of a person carrying the virus. The authorities then use the collected data to notify the possible new carriers and to test them. If you have downloaded the app, we would love to hear your experience. In case this is the first time you hear about it, keep on reading.

CovidSafe App in Short

CovidSafe App is so far, the only tracing app of this kind approved by the Australian government. Its goal is to help health official contain the virus. If they succeed in doing so, the government will be able to reduce the safety measures without causing the danger of further virus spread. Apparently, reducing the safety measures is what Australians are looking for eagerly. According to the CNN news two days ago, the number of downloads was 2.44 million in a very short period of time.

Reportedly, nothing will be enforced. Downloading the app and using it is on voluntary basis. Anyone can download the app from Google Play Store.  Afterwards, the CovidSafe traces the phones in the user’s proximity, via blue tooth. It then notes the date and time, distance and duration of the contact and sends encrypted information to a third part.

How does it Work?

Once you download the app, you would need to provide:

• your name
• cell phone number
• postal code and
• your age.

After this, you will receive the SMS for completing the installation. Then, the system creates the unique reference code, which identifies you as a user in future data exchange. This info is encrypted.

Once you are all set, the only thing you should do is let the app run in the background all the time and keep your Bluetooth on. The app stores the data on your phone, but you will not be able to have access.

Collecting the Data

It is important to understand that the app purportedly, does not track your location. On the other hand, should you test positive for Covid-19 and agree to let your app’s data be shared, the authorities will have access to the encrypted info on all your contacts that may have caught the virus.

Furthermore, the only purpose for which the officials can use this information is to notify the possibly infected people. This should speed up the testing and promote quarantine measures.

Is it Safe?

First of all, the app is said to not be able to track someone’s location. This should calm a few voices. Secondly, when someone downloads the app, it does not necessarily mean that he or she must provide the information storing on the phone. As previously said, the app is voluntary, and the user must give permission for accessing the data.

Lastly, there were some comments on the possibility that a foreign country systems might be able to have access to the users’ private info. The medical officer Brendan Murphy reportedly told 7 News:

“We have locked this down so completely, so thoroughly with the biosecurity rule, with legislation that is coming, the only people who can access the data are the state and territory health officials.”

Let us know whether you support the use of this kind of apps. Above all, stay safe and keep playing with us at bet safe and crypto friendly Yabby Casino!