As antibody testing (while still controversial in its own right) is becoming more and more available, countries worldwide will be looking to implement a tracking system for the "cured". However, paper products such as wristbands or certificates can be easily manipulated or forged. It makes sense that we would look for a more secure way to issue this sacred identifier. Currently, China has implemented a color coded system tracking everyones current health through an app on their phones. Residents are required to download this software that will tell them whether or not to quarantine and where they can and cannot go. This process is controversial because it also sends personal data to the local authorities, and is tracked not only by the government but by an outside company, so who knows how secure it really is and what data they are pulling from the users.
Could the United States use the same type of technology in the future?
My main concern with a system like this is of course, data breach. Hackers would be all over this. Can you imagine the PII associated with this type of private health data, and how millions of people would be at risk to such an attack? Although there is such an enormous risk for something so sensitive on your smartphones, it does seem like the safest option? As opposed to losing an ID card or someone creating counterfeit wristbands to sell on the black market. We already use secure apps for banking, but even that can be vulnerable. Using technology to track the immune seems the most logical, but at what cost?
What do you suggest?
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