Beatriz Botero Arcila warns that while location data might help address the coronavirus outbreak, it also threatens the privacy of citizens.
“Despite the fact that data-driven responses can be useful in helping address the COVID-19 crisis in the region when implemented alongside other measures, massive data gathering poses risks for regular citizens,” writes Botero Arcila. “It can easily be used to target minorities or political opponents. This is particularly concerning in countries with authoritarian-leaning governments.”