Covid-19: Spying risks sidelined in Europe as phone data aids virus fight

A woman wearing a protective mask is seen while checking her cellphone as the spread of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) continues, in London, Britain. Data from phone operators is being increasingly solicited in government efforts to contain the pathogen. — Reuters

In late March, as large swathes of Europe locked down, Belgian authorities wanted to know if movement restrictions were being obeyed enough to slow the spread of the coronavirus. They turned to the country’s mobile operators.

Data traffic from the companies showed that Belgians were spending about 80% of their time within their zip codes, suggesting they were largely adhering to shelter-at-home orders. That helped the government shelve plans for tighter confinement rules.