The thorny problems of COVID-19 contact tracing apps: The need for a holistic approach

Authors

  • Magda Osman Biological and Experimental Psychology Group, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom
  • Norman E. Fenton Risk and Information Management, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom
  • Scott McLachlan Risk and Information Management, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom; Health informatics and Knowledge Engineering Research (HiKER) Group
  • Peter Lucas Faculty of EEMCS, University of Twente, Netherlands
  • Kudakwashe Dube Health informatics and Knowledge Engineering Research (HiKER) Group; School of Fundamental Sciences, Massey University, New Zealand
  • Graham A. Hitman Centre for Genomics and Child Health, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom
  • Evangelia Kyrimi Risk and Information Management, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom
  • Martin Neil Risk and Information Management, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom

Keywords:

contact tracing apps, COVID-19, public attitudes and perceptions, privacy, behavioral barriers

Abstract

Once we accept the potential advantages that may arise from investing in contact tracing apps (CTA) as a response to the current COVID-19 crisis, we need to consider the different challenges that arise, and how they can be solved. In so doing, and to make the job surmountable, we must understand the challenging class of problems that spans both technical and behavioral issues (thorny issues). In thinking about the value of contact tracing, and the potential resolutions to some of the core problems, this short piece outlines what policy makers may need to consider, especially if we are to successfully deal with the predicted second wave.

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Published

2024-09-27

Issue

Vol. 4 No. S (2020): Journal of Behavioral Economics for Policy

Section

Articles