COVID-19 Tracking App Mega Discussion Thread

[Deactivated] on 15/04/2020 - 01:37
Last edited 27/04/2020 - 10:57 by 2 other users

Mega Thread for COVID-19 App discussions (Description Updated 27/4/20)

Please use this thread for any discussions about COVID-19 app discussions, rather than making a new thread. Also see below for other specific/related threads.

Poll Options

148
Yes.Why?
251
No. Why?
2
Other

Mobile COVID-19

Comments

- burningrage on 27/04/2020 - 08:13
  
  +1
  
  Not a deal in my opinion
- Kista on 27/04/2020 - 08:13
  
  +6
  
  Not a deal, people should stop upvoting everything they see on this website.
- Xizor on 27/04/2020 - 08:14
  
  +3
  
  This thread really shows how clueless a lot of people are about big data, big tech, data retention, costs for gov to get data from those that collect it, and even this app which is surprisingly restrained. I am all for privacy but geez ppl at least empower yourself with some perspective.
  
  As for whether its a deal or not, I'd argue for tax payers it actually is. It makes it quicker and likely cheaper to trace back point of infection/those you may of infected. Simple logic really.
- Heybargain on 27/04/2020 - 08:16
  
  +2
  
  STAY HOME
- amoc1001 on 27/04/2020 - 08:17
  
  +1
  
  Not a deal
- theHMASfriendship on 27/04/2020 - 08:17
  
  +3
  
  This is OzBargain not OzCommunityServiceAnnouncments. Belongs in the forum's.
- klownvandamn on 27/04/2020 - 08:17
  
  +2
  
  bargain of century (not)
- silenthillrocks on 27/04/2020 - 08:18
  
  $0 app. How is this not deal.
- evanssm2jp on 27/04/2020 - 08:18
  
  +1
  
  This app is incompatible with all of your devices. I have a number of android phones/tablets running on OS 7.1 - 10 (i.e. the latest OS) but nothing compatible! - Well done Aus Gov…….
- [Deactivated] on 27/04/2020 - 08:19
  
  +1
  
  it's a deal and I am in
- [Deactivated] on 27/04/2020 - 08:19
  
  +1
  
  Wow Scott from marketing & his bot mates are out in force!
  
  Not sure how wasting govt money on an app is a bargain, surely they can wait a few weeks for the Apple+Google better designed framework & app. No central DB to be hacked. No chance of govt misuse. Apple & Google already track you,
  
  But always free, so no bargain here
- McSquintus on 27/04/2020 - 08:19
  
  +3
  
  This is not a deal, should be for the forums.
- Thundaja on 27/04/2020 - 08:20
  
  +2
  
  Should be a stickied post in the forums.
- gviddy on 27/04/2020 - 08:20
  
  +1
  
  Sorry, but I just came here to laugh at this app.
- Homr on 27/04/2020 - 08:20
  
  Is this spyware made by the government?
  - [Deactivated] on 27/04/2020 - 08:23
    
    +2
    
    Foreign govt designed spyware, whose normally compliant people overwhelming refused to download & use it.
- inamberclad on 27/04/2020 - 08:21
  
  +2
  
  wouldn't call it a deal, but definitely worthy of psa/reminder. thanks op, i'll be installing this. same reason i wear a mask - not to protect my own health, but for some poor (likely old) bugger who could otherwise get sick from something i pass onto them!
- Kaise on 27/04/2020 - 08:22
  
  +3
  
  By no means a deal. Given the timing it may help to download the app but it definitely didn't categorise as a deal at all. Belongs in forums
- herbie_ford on 27/04/2020 - 08:23
  
  +3
  
  Not remotely a deal
- noren7 on 27/04/2020 - 08:23
  
  +1
  
  Is this the most downvoted thing on OzBargain? I don't think I've ever seen something with this sort of response…
  - Clear on 27/04/2020 - 08:35
    
    Nah an eBay post topped that one. It's been years and I'm still waiting for the shutdown by the ACCC that dozens preach and continue to this day.
- s4sep on 27/04/2020 - 08:23
  
  +4
  
  This will do nothing and isn't a deal.
- CocaKoala on 27/04/2020 - 08:24
  
  +4
  
  More like repeating what's told on the news. This isn't a deal by any means.
- cdawgz on 27/04/2020 - 08:27
  
  +2
  
  Not a deal
- Camjc on 27/04/2020 - 08:27
  
  +2
  
  Not a deal. Just follow the guidelines, no need to let the government amass surveillance data.
- scuderiarmani on 27/04/2020 - 08:27
  
  +2
  
  This is the worst 'deal' I've seen.
  
  Fwiw, should still download.
- akanian on 27/04/2020 - 08:27
  
  +2
  
  As much as I don't disagree with the app and it's intentions, but this is not a OzBargain deal.
- Buyingcrap on 27/04/2020 - 08:28
  
  +1
  
  Worth installing just to piss off the nut job hippy conspiracy theorist at work. Bargain.
- bliv on 27/04/2020 - 08:29
  
  +4
  
  Android app drains my battery and you have to have it on in the notification bar or the app turns off.
  
  Are people turning it off while they are at home? Because it's always running… while most people are at home 90%+ of the time now
  - mg_k on 27/04/2020 - 08:33
    
    I'm leaving it on at all time.
    
    Fwiw I'm still heading to the office 5 days a week, but that's not the reason why I'm leaving it on.
    
    I assume govt will be looking at the % of population who downloads and running this app to determined whether to ease off on the lockdown? If so I'm leaving it on to assist as I'm all for getting our country going again…
    - cwongtech on 27/04/2020 - 08:36
      
      +3
      
      I assume govt will be looking at the % of population who downloads and running this app to determined whether to ease off on the lockdown? If so I'm leaving it on to assist as I'm all for getting our country going again…
      
      If you really want to pump those numbers up for that purpose and that purpose only, have you considered installing it on all your old phones?
      
      Are we really just playing the numbers game here?
      - mg_k on 27/04/2020 - 08:41
        
        +1
        
        @cwongtech: Well I'm not a cheater like you think.
        
        It's all about playing our part as a responsible citizen really. Is that really too much to ask?
- mg_k on 27/04/2020 - 08:29
  
  +4
  
  Already installed last night.
  
  I seriously don't care about govt tracking or invading my privacy, as if Google and Apple isn't already invading us all since forever!?!?!
  
  If by downloading this app helps us getting back to some sort of normality quicker then I'm all for it.
- joshm998 on 27/04/2020 - 08:30
  
  +3
  
  Can’t believe people would install spyware without seeing the source code.
  - blehgg on 27/04/2020 - 08:31
    
    +4
    
    go unpack the code then…
    
    its been out for a while…
  - chubbychicken on 27/04/2020 - 08:32
    
    +1
    
    This belongs in the forums at best.
  - [Deactivated] on 27/04/2020 - 08:32
    
    +5
    
    No proof it tracks location, it only pings bluetooth.
    It has been decompiled, if you're cautious go read the code yourself.
    
    If you're still suspicious because you don't understand it, maybe you're not the best person to decide what "spyware" is
  - mg_k on 27/04/2020 - 08:33
    
    +1
    
    Who cares?
    
    If by installing and running the app helps this country to get back on its feet quicker then I'm all for it.
    
    Too many panaroid people when there are many more things to be panariod about such as unemployment and suicide rate…
    - cwongtech on 27/04/2020 - 08:38
      
      -1
      
      If by installing and running the app helps this country to get back on its feet quicker then I'm all for it.
      
      That's what China uses to justify mass surveillance and social credit system as well..
      You should watch Westworld Season 3 to see what could potentially be done with data (predict your every move and slot you into a certain class of citizen)
      - mg_k on 27/04/2020 - 08:42
        
        +1
        
        @cwongtech: Sif your personal data hasn't been invaded and tracked daily but Google and Apple already?!?
        
        So seriously what differences does it really make?
    - Elyxar on 27/04/2020 - 08:44
      
      That suicide rate that is still affecting people from robodebt.
- algy on 27/04/2020 - 08:31
  
  +1
  
  Not a bargain, put it on the forums.
  
  Also: Where's the promised source code? Why would anybody download it without source?
  - [Deactivated] on 27/04/2020 - 08:45
    
    That's what my 72 year old Dad said… he's waiting for the source code
    - mickeyjuiceman on 27/04/2020 - 10:41
      
      https://twitter.com/matthewrdev/status/1254336105203200000
  - Lockieasy on 27/04/2020 - 10:35
    
    +1
    
    The app has been decompiled and is available online.
    
    Guess what it's all above board.
    - algy on 27/04/2020 - 10:39
      
      Yep I've read that twitter post, looks fine - release the source then!
      - blehgg on 27/04/2020 - 11:35
        
        @algy: you're not gonna believe the source even if they release it…
        
        Unpacking it yourself is the only way you'd know its true.
        
        [Deactivated] on 27/04/2020 - 11:37
        
        @blehgg: Do you think they will release all released versions? I think not.
        
        blehgg on 27/04/2020 - 11:39
        
        @[Deactivated]: Is this a witch hunt to prove the government is doing wrong?
        
        or is this a genuine concern of your own privacy?
        
        e.g. the only version that matters - is the version you install / unpack and review yourself?
        
        [Deactivated] on 27/04/2020 - 11:41
        
        @blehgg: It's a fun bet/confidence test.
        
        blehgg on 27/04/2020 - 11:43
        
        @[Deactivated]: 700,000 people join centrelink AGAIN because we need to introduce restrictions over and over again…
        
        sounds like fun
        
        [Deactivated] on 27/04/2020 - 11:46
        
        @blehgg: Did you see how many of those people in the double dole queues on TV were wearing Dennis Lillee World Series Cricket shirts? Most in those queues thought it was a TAB.
        
        blehgg on 27/04/2020 - 11:48
        
        @[Deactivated]: ok let me put it a different way.
        
        Government needing to spend 2.4 billion of our tax dollars because of the COVID numbers. [They won't fake this number right? or they'd just pocket it with COVID justification]
        
        OR
        
        Frugal Rock needing to pay full price on Toilet Paper all the fricken time because of supply and demand due to covid.
- mitch01 on 27/04/2020 - 08:31
  
  +1
  
  This belongs in discussion.
- 6000SUX on 27/04/2020 - 08:31
  
  +7
  
  Gets my vote - even if not technically a deal, but has increased awareness so for me this post is a winner and deserves upvote.
- nepalesesquirrel on 27/04/2020 - 08:32
  
  -1
  
  Don't need it in Adelaide.
  - mg_k on 27/04/2020 - 08:36
    
    +2
    
    Yea sure, that's what Singapore says a month ago.
    
    Look at them now.
- popsiee on 27/04/2020 - 08:32
  
  Do I have to have my live feed wall papered with this ?
  The new wonderful world we live in 🤪
- solidice on 27/04/2020 - 08:33
  
  Does anyone have privacy concerns with regards to this app?
  - mg_k on 27/04/2020 - 08:37
    
    Asking as if your privacy hasn't been breached by large corporations on a daily basis as is….
  - CookieJacker31 on 27/04/2020 - 10:13
    
    Anyone with privacy concerns about this app shouldn't be on the internet or even own a mobile phone.
- Mahalo on 27/04/2020 - 08:34
  
  -1
  
  This is an app for all the guinea pigs that will be out and about getting infected with the corona virus and spreading it to their communities. The gov will be able to track them and realise they lifted the lockdowns And opened schools too soon and the number of sick are abou to sky rocket so they can lock everything down again. This is a test and experiment type of scenario because the novel coronavirus is new and no body knows 100% how it works or what to expect.
  Unfortunately more people will die with this tests to save the economy. However the economy will suffer for at least the next two years regardless.
  Can’t blame the gov for trying but let’s be clear they are choosing profits over people.
  For those that think they are too young and fit to die. Read about what effect Covid 19 has on fit healthy people. It affects their lungs and heart so keep that in mind how would you feel going for a run with a compromised body. Also read about the stroke risks.
  My advice is stay at home as long as possible. Keep your social distancing. Keeps you kids at home.
  - [Deactivated] on 27/04/2020 - 08:36
    
    +1
    
    What the hell is this crap?
    
    The app is to track and isolate cases, keeping everyone safe. Holy shit dude.
    - Mahalo on 27/04/2020 - 08:40
      
      Think about it. The app just came out before they open schools and lift lockdowns.
      Currently the sick and dead numbers are low.
      What do you think is going to happen next?
      - [Deactivated] on 27/04/2020 - 08:41
        
        +2
        
        @Mahalo: They stay low, because we are tracking and isolating cases better than most countries in the world.
        
        We gradually re-open as case counts continue to steadily drop.
        
        There is no logical reason to re-open too quickly, as a second lockdown will obliterate the economy.
        
        Mahalo on 27/04/2020 - 08:43
        
        @[Deactivated]: Let’s pray for the best case scenario.
        
        [Deactivated] on 27/04/2020 - 08:46
        
        @Mahalo: You don't need to pray, tracking and isolating is very effective if done right.
        The proof is in the numbers, look at our new cases curve vs USA.
        
        Mahalo on 27/04/2020 - 09:04
        
        +1
        
        @[Deactivated]: The problem are people.
        Just look at this small ozbargain community comments.
        You are doing the right thing by being positive using the app and focusing on the economy.
        Some people don’t want to install the app because of privacy concerns.
        Some people are still arguing and focusing narrowly on whether this is a deal or belongs in the forums.
        So not sure about percentages but even a small percentage of people who do t do the right thing can bring the infected and dead numbers up again. Look at Singapore which the gov was initially using as an example.
        We know that staying at home and lockdowns worked. The proof is in the numbers as you’ve said.
        
        blehgg on 27/04/2020 - 10:18
        
        @Mahalo:
        
        We know that staying at home and lockdowns worked
        
        Yes… but app is about opening up - improved contact tracing so we don't drop back into restrictions. I'm not sure the government will "over-react" again when numbers spike.
        
        Staying at home has worked to reduce the load on our hospitals, so more people get ventilators when they need them so less people die.
        
        Improved contact tracing is required when the numbers are low so we don't have to do harsh restrictions again…. or do you want to just drop in and out of restrictions over and over again?
        
        Mahalo on 27/04/2020 - 10:49
        
        @blehgg: I’m all for the app to be used. I don’t trust all people will do the right thing though. That’s why we need harsh restrictions to stay on as long as possible.
        Also I read that ventilators only are required for extreme sick cases. Once the ventilator is on, the person only has 20 % chance of survival.
        
        blehgg on 27/04/2020 - 12:05
        
        @Mahalo: what do you reckon the odds are when they need a ventilator but cant get one like in italy?
        
        Mahalo on 27/04/2020 - 13:37
        
        @blehgg: Best to not put our community at risk and help the gov keep this virus in check. Stay at home and don’t be selfish.
      - subboy on 27/04/2020 - 08:42
        
        @Mahalo: :What do you think is going to happen next?: They will discover that the bat is actually the cure ;)
- mdavant on 27/04/2020 - 08:36
  
  +1
  
  Great.
  
  A deal is a program which chews the battery of my phone without any tangible health benefit.
  
  I agree with a prior poster.
  
  This is ozbargain, not ozhealth.
  - [Deactivated] on 27/04/2020 - 08:38
    
    +3
    
    Or a deal that could help Australia's slumping economy get back on track faster, thus earning us all more coin
    - mdavant on 27/04/2020 - 09:28
      
      It still not a bargain, it is health promotion.
      
      Don't worry, high income earners can just be taxed more, a super bargain for the majority.
    - mdavant on 27/04/2020 - 09:18
      
      +3
      
      Since you have almost zero chance of catching coronavirus I beg to differ.
      
      I also am working as a frontline worker currently. Trust me I am making more sacrifices socially and financially than more than 99% a of the population.
      
      School children are going back to school.
      
      Why are we jumping at shadows.
      
      To call me a selfish prick is childish and insulting, and reflects on your character more than mine.
      - blehgg on 27/04/2020 - 09:22
        
        @mdavant: Just because you won't jump at shadows - doesn't mean the government wont.
        
        if we can contact trace better - we have a higher chance of not having to fall back into restrictions…
        
        As a frontline worker, you may not feel the pain other's are without work.
        
        mdavant on 27/04/2020 - 09:32
        
        @blehgg: I agree with the last sentence.
        
        I am not currently feeling financial pain to the extent of others.
        
        I am just at everyday significant risk of dying as per all of the posts responding to my post, whilst paying tax to fund the extended long service leave of some , which is dumb, and the support of others which is necessary.
        
        So I think I very much understand the health risks of being a frontline worker, whilst I can only empathise with the financial struggles of others
        
        blehgg on 27/04/2020 - 09:34
        
        @mdavant: then you for one should be supporting reducing the spread of infection
        
        Do you trust someone manually providing contact tracing? No tangible benefit - Life is a good benefit.
        
        Less infected = less percentage you're in contact with = less chance you're gonna die…
        
        mdavant on 27/04/2020 - 11:50
        
        @blehgg: The app only has utility if it is matched with common sense.
        
        Eg I went shopping on the weekend, the only day I could as I work very long hours mon to Friday.
        
        Why was the supermarket filled to the brim with over 70 year Olds?
        
        Imo the app works best with shutdown, not in place of it, like in Singapore?
        
        blehgg on 27/04/2020 - 11:57
        
        @mdavant: So we should stay shutdown till vaccine comes out?
        - which may not come.
        
        Not sure Australia's enconomy can justify complete shutdown for a trickle of cases.
        
        But doesn't mean we should open up without trying to do everything we can to stop future spikes, and not drop back into restrictions
        
        If there's a tool out there to increase contact tracing - it's better than the manual option.
        
        mg_k on 27/04/2020 - 09:59
        
        +1
        
        @blehgg: "Since you have almost zero chance of catching coronavirus I beg to differ."
        
        This is appalling and downright ignorant coming from a frontline worker.
        
        NEVER SAY NEVER.
        
        It makes even more sense for you to use the app since you are dealing with people who might infect you/you infecting them.
        
        Regardless a little more battery usage on the phone is an inexcusable reason for not using the app period.
        
        mdavant on 27/04/2020 - 11:25
        
        @mg_k: Using current data, what is your chance of catching coronavirus?
        
        blehgg on 27/04/2020 - 12:01
        
        @mdavant: Using current data, can you predict the future is without clusters of future covid?
        
        mdavant on 27/04/2020 - 12:23
        
        @blehgg: No. Hence why there was that in my statement.
        
        So you may stop strawmanning, and answer the question.
        
        blehgg on 27/04/2020 - 12:25
        
        @mdavant: With current data, there's very little chance you'd get COVID in QLD.
        
        But that's not what the app is about..
        
        mdavant on 27/04/2020 - 12:33
        
        @blehgg: If there is zero chance, would the app have benefit?
        
        I am all for contact tracing, I am involved in assisting with it, but the purported benefits, at the current levels of data are highly over exaggerated.
        
        Now, a debate on if the data is legit is another discussion that needs to be had, ie is the curve as flat as they tell us, no, because testing has been highly restricted (in the same way influenza and other virus statistics for this year will be useless), that is, we have not been testing people with sniffles.
        
        blehgg on 27/04/2020 - 12:39
        
        @mdavant: Assuming zero chance is what Trump did back in Jan/February.
        
        Would the app have benefit - yes - because it will never be zero?
        
        mdavant on 27/04/2020 - 13:02
        
        @blehgg: That is like the Hitler argument!
        
        Now you are advocating that we should use the app forever. Sorry, can't agree with you there.
- Teller on 27/04/2020 - 08:37
  
  +1
  
  The concerns the app is being released too early
  
  This app is going to give a lot of people false security because lack of testing areas data , there has been no where near 1 million tested in Australia ,so the app will be ineffective for majority of Australia
  
  The app will not have data on those who are infected with the corona virus in a non testing area
  
  In areas where there has been testing ,The app the will not alert those who have been in contact with an infected person, because they weren't tested and un aware they are infected with the corona virus
  
  For this app to be effective , there needs to be closed to 50% off the population tested
  - [Deactivated] on 27/04/2020 - 08:38
    
    There are plans for random sample testing across Australia soon.
- Owl on 27/04/2020 - 08:38
  
  +3
  
  This keeps getting posted and removed. Not a deal. Belongs in forums.
- Gradesbrah on 27/04/2020 - 08:38
  
  +7
  
  As others have noted, not a deal.
  
  As a Healthcare worker and a citizen I appreciate everybody trying to do the right thing for their family, friends and greater community of vulnerable. That being said….
  
  The government promised the code would be available, still not released and now suggestions are it won’t be completely released making the ability to check code useless. Considering the Government is suggesting that the app only works with so many downloads it appears they appreciate the issues that exist with incomplete data.
  
  The legalisation is not available for anyone to read a draft of, we only have their word.
  - when this app was originally announced we were told by the Prime Minister he suggested it could be mandatory, as did the deputy Chief Medical Officer, and it was only after the backlash we had a 10am tweet the next day promising it would be voluntary.
  - the Government refuses to acknowledge breaches in metadata laws which when first proposed were supposed to be last resort and for select departments (again their word not what was written in legalisation). Getting information on who accessed our data is not allowed, and attempts of finding out which departments accessed data and how often is frequently resisted by governments.
  
  Simply a case of transparency is an Australian’s responsibility unless it is Australian Department and then it is operational matters.
  
  Once the privacy risks are dealt with clearly in legalisation and the source code is released as promised I will happily download and ask others to do so, until then I do not want anyone to think it is an obligation.
  - [Deactivated] on 27/04/2020 - 08:43
    
    +2
    
    While it would be nice if the source code could be released,
    The decompile is available, and is being looked through by many people
    
    https://github.com/ghuntley/COVIDSafe_1.0.11.apk
    - [Deactivated] on 27/04/2020 - 08:54
      
      Did it really launch at 1.0.0 and have 11 versions already?
  - buhie on 27/04/2020 - 08:51
    
    +1
    
    Legislation is here, and does everything that was promised.
    
    https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2020L00480
    - Gradesbrah on 27/04/2020 - 14:47
      
      Interesting, several wording issues. What is most concerning is that I have already seen several cases of breaches online. Employers threatening staff with sacking for not downloading and making it mandatory on staff devices. This is the issue of rolling something out without comprehensive communication.
      
      Thank you for sharing the legalisation, this was not available readily as of yesterday PM when it launched.
- OG Puppy Banana on 27/04/2020 - 08:38
  
  If I were to make an argument for this being a deal, I'd say that if we install it, we could try to stem the bleeding of our investments, assets and job security.
  
  If that's not financially attractive enough for the average punter, what if I told you you could get a free app that tells you if you came into contact with someone X days ago, who tested positive for covid 5 minutes ago. Maybe you'll get a coupon for an express lane at the hospital for your covid check.
  
  All these benefits for free. Seems a good deal to me.
- steve84 on 27/04/2020 - 08:39
  
  +1
  
  How is this still under “deals”? Clearly it’s not.

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