The 21st century is the era of technology and modernisation. Emerging technologies is a term used to describe new technology, whether it’s an advancement to an existing technology or a new innovative idea. Ethics is dealing with right and wrong or what’s good and bad, which might conflict ones’ morals and beliefs.
Most ethical considerations are built around these 5 guidelines:
1. Informed Consent
Informed consent is when the person is fully aware and informed of what they’re participating in. They should be informed of the purpose, fundings and every little details that may result from the evaluation plan.
2. Do No Harm
This guideline ensures that the participant isn’t harmed physically or psychologically. This can come in many forms such as; stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, pain or invasion of privacy.
3. Voluntary Participation
Participants are free to participate or withdraw anytime, without having to explain or feel pressured. Dropping out will not negatively impact their relationship with the researchers or future programs.
4. Confidentiality
Any private or distinguishable information about a participant can not be revealed or accessed by anyone except for the program coordinator. Their information is also prohibited from published documents and reports.
5. Anonymity
The identity of the participant remains unknown to the researchers so anonymity is a much stricter form of privacy than confidentiality.
COVID 19 TRACKER APP
The Australian government has recently developed a new app regarding the harrowing pandemic, Covid-19. Many Australians are wary of the app as it tracks your location and collects information. The Covid-19 app follows the first guideline, informed consent. The user completely knows what they are getting into by downloading this app. There are many official articles and guides regarding what happens to your data, what the app does, and possible advantages with using the app.
The app doesn’t exactly ‘do no harm’. The purpose of the app is to help prevent the spread of the virus and notify users if they were in close proximity to someone who has tested positive to the virus. This can bring some relief or serenity to some users, but to others who HAVE been near a Covid-19 person, it can cause a state of panic, stress and anxiety. The thought of contracting the virus can do some serious psychological damage.
Users are free to delete the app whenever they want with a simple click of a button. The app will be gone, but their data will still be stored in the system.
The app has safeguards in place to ensure that personal information is deleted and de-identified when its no longer needed. Their data is stored for up to 21 days and is later deleted. If a person contracts Covid-19, their data is automatically stored in the National Health Data Store which is worrisome as it is prone to cyber attacks.
The identity of a user is never revealed as it only tracks your location, but if a close friend is smart enough, they can put two and two together and figure out your identity based on your location.
I recommend using the app as it can help save lives and benefit the health of the vulnerable. Though the data storage system sounds a bit sketch, flattening the curve is more important so downloading the app and potentially getting your data accessed by the government is worth it. Everyone should be able to download the app, no matter their age.
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