Unlocking Platform Technology to Combat Health Pandemics

Abstract

Effective use of data from digital platforms and related technological ecosystems could be key to mitigating the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Data from smartphones, GPS, and wearable fitness trackers can combine with sophisticated algorithms to trace networks of contact with COVID-19 patients. This practice has already been used to successfully slow the spread of the pandemic in Korea and Taiwan warrants immediate, broader consideration. Regarding consumer concerns about data privacy, given the unusual and dire circumstances, government authorities need a set of consent exceptions that allows non-health data to be harnessed for the public health. A swift, thoughtful collaboration between the technology sector and the government could result in regulatory policy changes that have proven potential to save lives.

Keywords: COVID-19, Contact Tracing, Data Analytics, Privacy, Health, Global Pandemic, Internet, Social Distancing

JEL Classification: K23, L96, M15, I28