The Covid-19 pandemic has given rise to unprecedented surveillance mechanisms that would have been unthinkable before the crisis. The development of a pan-European contact-tracing application could make it easier for the EU to achieve a stable and successful recovery. It could help national governments coordinate their efforts in lifting restrictions where social and economic life can continue, and it could help avoid a second wave of infections.  

The European Parliament and the Commission have also adopted a firm stance on safeguarding privacy whilst combatting the spread of the virus. In the meantime, some member-states have developed their own alternatives, which have prompted warnings from privacy advocates and civil society. Whilst taking proportionate public health measures is a legitimate policy action, there is a significant risk that the pandemic could be abused by states and private companies to enforce highly intrusive mass surveillance measures.

Agreeing on a common European tracing app raises questions about the technology used, its efficacy, privacy, security, as well as ethical questions about fundamental rights, and concerns about democratic backsliding in member states. This webinar will explore these concerns and consider the potential of using technology and ‘data for the common good’ in the EU’s fight against Covid-19, as well as the challenges and impact of tracking technology on privacy and citizens’ trust.

The discussion will be moderated by Andreas Aktoudianakis PhD, EPC Digital Policy Analyst.

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