Privacy Research on the Pulse of Time: COVID-19 Contact-Tracing Apps

Abstract

In 2020, COVID-19 hit the World, and with it came the desire for a well-functioning and fast-working possibility to trace contacts of those people who tested positive for the virus, a method called contact tracing. Depending on how automated tracing is implemented, it is necessary to capture and store sensitive information about the user, such as where the user has been, who they were in contact with, and their health status. All of this entails the potential of mission creep and surveillance. In this chapter, we give a brief outline of the tracing technologies and their implications for the users’ data and, therefore, privacy. We look at scientific studies with end users and how their privacy concerns impacted their decision to install a contact tracing app. After reading this chapter, the reader will have an overview of the general privacy discussion and research on contact tracing apps in the context of COVID-19 and hints on where to find further information.