IBM is testing an opt-in mobile app to track the location of its employees in India to help curb the spread of COVID-19
LoadingThe reliance on location-based data for contact tracing has raised concerns about the trade-offs between public health and privacy. Apple and Google's project could have potentially "alarming" implications for consumer privacy, US Sen. Josh Hawley, a Republican from Missouri, wrote inIBM has faced criticism for its behaviors around user privacy in the past.
A spokesman told the Associated Press at the time that IBM has always been clear about the use of location data collected from users and would vigorously defend its "fully appropriate" disclosures. Regarding its contact tracing app, IBM executive vice president and director of Watson Health, John Kelly III, told Protocol that the app would only collect data for 16 days and that employees wouldn't be told the identity of the individual who reported feeling sick.
"We use it only for the stated purpose of reminding you where you were, or reminding you to socially distance, that meets our value system. We don't think it's ethical to truly electronically trace and track," Kelly told Protocol. An IBM spokesperson stressed to Business Insider that the app is voluntary, saying: "the health and safety of IBM employees, clients, and partners remains our top priority." The company did not specify what its plans were for the app once the coronavirus pandemic subsides other than that it would depend on what local governments express interest in.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
6 Ways to Deal with Selfish People During COVID-19How beginning to understand some of the unintentional reasons for selfish behavior can help us be more tolerant in these difficult times
Read more »
Michiganders who make their livings outdoors sound off on COVID-19 orders'I am not naive to the situation that all of us are in...But the same time, I do feel that right now there are jobs and there are activities that can be done in a safe manner, adhering to social distancing.'
Read more »
The other COVID-19 risk factors: How race, income, ZIP code can influence life and death'Most epidemics are guided missiles attacking those who are poor, disenfranchised and have underlying health problems,” said Dr. Thomas Frieden, former CDC director.
Read more »
Southern governors create a Covid-19 coalition and experts fear a 'perfect storm'Republican governors across the Southeast are teaming up to reopen the region’s economy, even as they lack the testing to know how rapidly the coronavirus is spreading
Read more »