Scrutinising COVIDSafe: Frameworks for Evaluating Digital Contact Tracing Technologies

Alternative Law Journal, Vol. 45, No. 3, 2020

U of Melbourne Legal Studies Research Paper No. 921

15 Pages Posted: 23 Dec 2020

See all articles by Adam Lodders

Adam Lodders

ANZ Bank

Jeannie Marie Paterson

University of Melbourne - Law School

Date Written: December 21, 2020

Abstract

Digital technologies are being used to combat the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic through a variety of methods, including monitoring compliance with quarantine and contact tracing. These uses of technology are said to promote public health outcomes but risk undermining rights to privacy. In this article we focus on the use of digital technologies for contact tracing, such as the COVIDSafe app used in Australia. We explore the kind of framework that might be used for evaluating the design, deployment and governance of such technologies to ensure they operate in a manner that is proportionate to the ends to be achieved. We conclude that, in addition to issues of privacy, any use of contact tracing technology should address important considerations of efficacy, equity and accountability.

Keywords: digital technologies, equity, public health

JEL Classification: K32

Suggested Citation

Lodders, Adam and Paterson, Jeannie Marie, Scrutinising COVIDSafe: Frameworks for Evaluating Digital Contact Tracing Technologies (December 21, 2020). Alternative Law Journal, Vol. 45, No. 3, 2020, U of Melbourne Legal Studies Research Paper No. 921, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3752582

Adam Lodders

ANZ Bank

Australia

Jeannie Marie Paterson (Contact Author)

University of Melbourne - Law School ( email )

University Square
185 Pelham Street, Carlton
Victoria, Victoria 3010
Australia

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