Governments tap Covid data for other uses, risking backlash

A general view shows the ArtScience Museum (left) against the backdrop of the city skyline in Singapore. After countries from the US to Australia to Israel collected reams of data during the pandemic, largely with public support, they may start to see uses for that information beyond the original intent. — AFP

In early 2020, as the coronavirus began to ricochet around the world with terrifying consequence, Harish Pillay decided to do whatever he could to help stop the spread.

The software engineer, who lives in Singapore, heard the government was designing an app to track the virus so he emailed the minister in charge and asked how he could help. He was part of a fellowship of developers and engineers who volunteered their services, ready to pitch in on a solution.