Covid-19: Proposed health code app sparks anger in China


People wearing face masks as a preventive measure against the Covid-19 coronavirus as they use a phone app to scan a code required to prove their health and travel status before being allowed to enter a shopping mall in Beijing. Mass government collection of data for epidemic-fighting purposes has sparked widespread concerns over data privacy and security. — AFP

BEIJING: A Chinese local government’s proposal for a post-coronavirus health app that ranks citizens based on their smoking, drinking, exercise and sleep habits has sparked fury online over privacy concerns.

China has already developed apps that indicate an individual’s likelihood of contracting coronavirus based on their travel history and whether they had come into contact with an infected case.

Win a prize this Mother's Day by subscribing to our annual plan now! T&C applies.

Monthly Plan

RM13.90/month

Annual Plan

RM12.33/month

Billed as RM148.00/year

1 month

Free Trial

For new subscribers only


Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.
Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
   

Next In Tech News

Binance registers with India's financial watchdog as it seeks to resume operations
FBI working towards nabbing Scattered Spider hackers, official says
Crypto group with 440,000 members launches PAC to target House, Senate elections
TikTok to start labelling AI-generated content as technology becomes more universal
Hong Kong businesses embrace potential of silver economy with more services, tech for rising number of elderly
China carer devotes life to solitary elderly man for 12 years, gets five flats worth millions in thanks for efforts, wins plaudits online
Einstein and anime: Hong Kong university tests AI professors
Foxconn's Q1 profit to jump from low base, AI to power growth
China tech giant Baidu VP apologises after backlash over tough style
Boater dies just feet from land when he dives in to find cellphone, US cops say

Others Also Read