The app Private Kit gives its users the ability to see when they’ve last come in contact with someone who has the Coronavirus. Through sharing encrypted data between phones, people who have tested positive for the disease can upload their results to a web base where passersby can instantly see their records. A few things come to mind for us when it comes to the proposed Private Kit app.
At first glance ,this seems like something that can effectively be used to combat Covid-19 and give people a piece of mind. The reality is, this app is very divisive and can easily cause panic.
Imagine, you have to leave the security of your home to venture out into the streets of Covid ridden NYC. You head out and brave the streets to make it to a supermarket full of people wearing masks and gloves; all trying to avoid one another. The site of the crowd alone is more than enough to incite discomfort and panic. After shifting through the isles trying your very hardest to avoid contact with the market goers, you make your way to the register, pay and head home. Once home, you remove your own mask and gloves then wash your hands, only for your private Kit app to alert that you may now possibly have Covid-19!
The thought alone could send one into a frenzy! Everyone is already extremely tense and stressed out. Our eyes are constantly glued to the news for updates about Covid-19. We watch the news each day with no information about this situation getting better in sight. Would another Covid alertactually be helpful or just increase stress?
Beyond the fact that this app can incite panic, now is a time more than ever for us to “stand together while staying apart.” This app could easily be used to separate us and create opportunities to single people out. Time and time again, we’ve seen tools used to create separatism and divide communities. When will we learn that this is never the way to go? I wonder, would it be more useful if perhaps instead of creating an app that lets you know who has Covid, so that you can avoid them; we create an app that lets you know who has Covid so that you can wish them well?
