In early April, the European Commission (EC) spoke of the need for a common approach among member states for applications that collected user data to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. This Wednesday the EC released the roadmap with joint measures in various areas of action to address the current situation, reinforcing the need for apps to respect users' privacy.
In a 16-page document that integrates guidelines in different contexts, namely in terms of economy and health, the applications created to combat COVID-19 have not been forgotten. One of the points on the roadmap refers to the creation of a structure for the tracking and alerts of mobile applications, which ensures the privacy of Europeans.
As he had previously explained, the European executive considers that apps that warn citizens of a high risk of infection due to close contact with people with COVID-19 are "particularly" relevant at a possible time of lifting the confinement measures. For this reason, the Commission considers that applications should be an "important element" in the strategies of each Member State, in addition to other measures.
Another important issue concerns the duration of these apps. The document clarifies that the applications created to combat COVID-19 should be deactivated as soon as the pandemic period ends and all data collected is erased.
But how should apps be managed? According to the document, applications must be of voluntary use and based on the consent of Europeans, respecting the General Data Protection Regulation, in force since 2018. "When users use tracking apps they must continue to control their data ", it can be read.
The commission also highlights the importance of national health authorities being involved in this process, with the tracking and data collection of mobile equipment to be allowed only in an anonymous and aggregate manner. Therefore, names of infected persons should not be disclosed to other users.