imo there's an interesting question concerning the usage of mobile phone data in order to track movement of corona patients and the virus' spread.

in germany, for example, almost 50% are in favour, only about 38% consider it unreasonable.

in theory, it's a good idea imo. IF this could happen anonymously, would be strictly limited to fighting this pandemic, and IF we could rely on the government and the private sector to keep their word and delete the data after this is over, i would support it immediately.
however, that's sadly not the world we live in. (not only) recent history has proven that any freedoms, any individual rights conceded in the spirit of 'safety & security', are very difficult to regain, so we should be extremely cautious, and think twice about what we're willing to give up exactly imo.

still, there are some strong arguments to be made in favour: literally every nation that managed to contain the virus somewhat successfully, used a version of this idea in order to do so: https://www.businessinsider.com/countries-tracking-citizens-phones-coronavirus-2020-3?r=DE&IR=T#germany-is-modeling-how-people-are-moving-around-9

also, this doesn't necessarily lead to the wide-reaching, blanket erosions of individual freedoms that americans gave up after 9/11 for example. there is an actual and comprehensible relation between the measure and the issue at hand, so i would characterise it as less nefarious in nature. that said, it still undoubtedly sets a very dangerous precedent, and certainly opens doors that will be hard to close again.

what are your thoughts, pard?

This post was edited by fender on Mar 29 2020 02:08pm

It would be nice to have text alerts for cases of the coronavirus going widespread and even moderate to low numbers of people. Even if its 1 person its still good to know that they are around.

Too bad this country only thinks about freedom and don't care about being cautious. People are advised to minimize travels and only travel when needed for certain jobs or to get groceries but no they are all over the stores. Places should not even be packed as they are now knowing one of these people could be out and not knowing it. Scary stuff these day. I wish people would care more about how bad this is going to get and its only going to get worse. Especially in the US.

They already are violating laws of personal privacy , and giving them open free reign is just opening pandora's box.

You give the government power, they usually don't give it up. Not all leaders are going to be like Cincinnatus.

Lmfao, of course only the OP degen would think like this. What a sick fuck

While the cause may be noble and the benefits might be worth considering, it opens a door I don't really want opened. Voted the third option.

Hell no.

we not free now anyways but rather not see rest of the world turn into China....

This post was edited by GarryGarry on Mar 29 2020 05:05pm

no. i'm like suuuper principled on a romantic idea of freedom™, no matter the cost

probably where i'd land myself. i fear that is the realistic take on this to be honest, no matter where you live, sad as it is.

i mean, at the end of the day they will decide without our expressed consent anyway, and i don't think it's conspiratorial to assume that data is barely protected anyway in a meaningful manner, but i would probably not agree to it if that ever became a real choice.

No, the feds would never give up the power.