Privacy Commissioner Provides COVID Alert App Information

Thursday, 6 August 2020 15:15

The information sheet, which can be found on the Information and Privacy Commission website notes that privacy commissioners from across Canada were involved in reviewing any privacy risks associated with the app during its development. They found the risks to be very low.

Yukon's Information and Privacy Commission has developed an information sheet for individuals who are considering using the newly-developed COVID Alert app. The app was launched last week by the Government of Canada. Canadians can download the app onto their cell phones, in order to support contact tracing efforts to detect persons who may have been exposed to COVID-19.

Privacy Commissioner Diane McLeod-McKay said in a statement, "It is not surprising that Canadians have questions in regard to this new use of cellular phone technology. In an effort to help Yukoners better understand the COVID Alert app, we have put together a short information sheet, which also includes links to other sources of information."

The information sheet, which can be found on the Information and Privacy Commission website notes that privacy commissioners from across Canada were involved in reviewing any privacy risks associated with the app during its development. They found the risks to be very low.

McLeod-McKay's information sheet notes both benefits and shortcomings of the app. For example, one downside is that the app does not work on phones that are more than 5 years old. As well, only one jurisdiction in Canada (Ontario) has so far agreed to participate in the COVID Alert app system.

However, McLeod-McKay still sees benefits for Yukoners to download and use the app.

If a person tests positive for COVID-19, they receive a code from their public health authority that they can upload into the app. This triggers a notification which is sent to other app users who were in proximity to the person during the past 14 days who tested positive, informing them of possible exposure to COVID-19. Those who receive this notification are encouraged by the app to get tested. The app users who receive the notification about possible exposure will not know the identity of the individual or where the exposure may have occurred.

Yukon app users will not be notified if they are exposed to another Yukon app user who tests positive for the virus, until Yukon is a participating territory.

If Yukoners have questions or concerns, they may contact the IPC office at 867-667-8468 or info@yukonombudsman.ca.

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