COVID-19 apps want user data, but few say they’ll protect it

A study of COVID-19 apps on the Google Play Store found that many ask for advanced permissions but do not indicate how data will be anonymized and secured. The researchers analyzed 50 apps from various countries, including those issued by governments and health ministries. They identified four main categories of apps: informational, tracking, assessment, and scientific research. Of the 30 apps that required access to phone data, only 16 mentioned that the information collected would be anonymized and secured. The researchers warned of the potential risks to civil liberties and the lack of regulatory frameworks in place.