Data Privacy Amid Coronavirus: Blockchain To The Rescue!

Co-Author by Joseph Bambara

The Covid-19 pandemic has many potential victims, one of which is privacy. Some believe that we are beyond the point where we, as individuals, can control the privacy of our data.

The pandemic has opened more doors for intruders. Considering the billions of people who have smartphones, it is possible to reach people and draw extensive data from their devices. Smartphone applications put users' privacy and security at risk. Applications ("apps") that monitor us, e.g., social distancing, while perhaps helpful controlling the spread of the virus, creates the potential for even greater ills. China was an early mover on contact tracing apps: people were required to install the Alipay Health Code app and fill in personal details. They then were issued with a QR code with one of three colors denoting quarantining status. The app reportedly shared location data with the police.