On 10 April, Google and Apple announced a joint project creating a tracking app for mobile phones that will allow government-controlled health agencies to monitor the movements of anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19, as well as any person who comes in contact with that person.
While governments around the world have actively been seeking modern technology to extend their control, the collaboration between Apple and Google can put contact-tracing capability into three billion phones around the world.
Almost 300 leading academics signed an open letter cautioning, “We are concerned that some ‘solutions’ to the crisis may, via mission creep, result in systems which would allow unprecedented surveillance of society at large.” Note: “mission creep” is a military reference to a shift in objectives during the course of a short-term strategy that frequently results in unplanned, long-term commitments.
Both Apple and Google claim users will have the choice whether to turn on the contact-tracing app or leave it off. Proponents say using the app will help lessen the fear people have of catching the virus and, therefore, is worth relinquishing some privacy by permitting this level of surveillance.
Increased surveillance of citizens based on a stated attempt to slow the spread of coronavirus is taking place in at least 30 countries, according to OneZero, a research publication that covers tech and science. Collating data from dozens of countries, research showed that two of the most significant surveillance efforts are in Hong Kong and Argentina.
In Hong Kong, anyone arriving at an airport is forced to wear an electronic-tracking bracelet synced to their cell phone’s GPS.
In Argentina, anyone discovered to have broken the country’s shelter-in-place orders must download an app that traces their location.
Other countries actively pursuing electronic surveillance of citizens include most dictatorships and democracies. Among the list are Australia, China, Germany, Iran, Israel, Italy, Kenya, Russia, the UK and, as already illustrated, the United States.
TREND FORECAST: With the vast majority of citizens obeying and supporting political COVID-19 orders, a LX/Morning Consult poll showed that 75 percent of U.S. adults said they would likely get a coronavirus vaccine, if and when it passes clinical trials.
Considering the draconian “Executive Orders” imposed on people around the world to obey lockdowns, social distancing, etc., there will be strong government measures to force citizens to be vaccinated.
In the absence of strong social movements, those who refuse to be vaccinated will be denied inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. States, nations, and businesses will impose travel restrictions, denial of government medical benefits, and entrance to varied locations such as theme parks, stadiums, etc.
