Debunking the Myth: Can COVID-19 Contact Tracing Apps Track Your Phone Contacts Without Consent?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, there were concerns circulating on various social media platforms about two contact tracing apps – Healthy Together and Trace Together. A viral chain message claimed that these apps could access a person’s phone contacts without consent, leading to unwarranted tracking. But are these claims true? Let’s dive into the facts and separate the myth from reality.
The Allegation
The chain message warned users that if they intended to download the COVID-19 app, Healthy Together or Trace Together, they should delete the sender from their phone contact list, Facebook, and Instagram pages. The message implied that these apps could track a person’s contacts without their knowledge or permission, raising concerns about privacy invasion.
Fact-Checking
Our VERIFY team investigated the accuracy of these claims and found them to be misleading. The Healthy Together and Trace Together apps, once used for COVID-19 contact tracing, do not have the capability to track a user’s phone contacts without their explicit consent.
Breaking Down the Reality
Both apps, which were developed for contact tracing purposes during the pandemic, operated under strict privacy standards and protocols. They did not access a person’s contact list without permission. In fact, users had to grant explicit consent for the apps to access selected contacts in case of COVID-19 exposure.
The Healthy Together app, for example, requested permission to access specific contacts’ names and phone numbers to assist with contact tracing efforts. However, users had the choice to decline this access without compromising the app’s functionality.
Furthermore, the Trace Together app, launched in Singapore, was discontinued in 2024, and the Healthy Together app transitioned its focus from COVID-19 contact tracing to supporting health and human services programs.
Conclusion: Privacy Preserved
It’s essential to separate misinformation from reality when it comes to technological advancements like contact tracing apps. The claims made in the viral chain message are unsubstantiated, and both Healthy Together and Trace Together apps prioritized user privacy and consent throughout their usage.
As we navigate the digital landscape, let’s stay informed and vigilant against false information to protect our privacy and data integrity.
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