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The Saga of the Covid-19 Contact Tracing Apps: Lessons for Data Governance

Author

Listed:
  • Maria Savona

    (Science Policy Research Unit (SPRU), University of Sussex.)

Abstract

This note selectively unpacks the rapid evolution of the (Western) debate around the opportunity to deploy contact tracing apps, alongside other digital tools such as apps for symptoms sharing and immunity certificates to mitigate the Covid-19 pandemics. I do so from the perspective of a social scientist interested in the implications of the development of digital tools at times of emergency in terms of data governance. I argue that a more articulated reflection is needed towards the development of a healthy institutional structure that regulates the role of large tech platforms, such as Google and Apple (G&A), and public institutions, in governing data, particularly when health data and public value are involved. I unravel the saga of contact tracing apps in the UK and EU, looking at the technical, legal and ethical aspects and I attempt to draw more general lessons for data governance.

Suggested Citation

  • Maria Savona, 2020. "The Saga of the Covid-19 Contact Tracing Apps: Lessons for Data Governance," SPRU Working Paper Series 2020-10, SPRU - Science Policy Research Unit, University of Sussex Business School.
    • Handle: RePEc:sru:ssewps:2020-10
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Alessandra Colombelli & Elena Grinza & Valentina Meliciani & Mariacristina Rossi, 2021. "Pulling Effects in Immigrant Entrepreneurship: Does Gender Matter?," Economic Geography, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 97(1), pages 1-33, January.
    5. Siddharth Sareen & Steven Wolf, 2020. "Accountability and Sustainability Transitions," SPRU Working Paper Series 2020-07, SPRU - Science Policy Research Unit, University of Sussex Business School.
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    Cited by:

    1. Napolitano, Lorenzo & Sbardella, Angelica & Consoli, Davide & Barbieri, Nicolò & Perruchas, François, 2022. "Green innovation and income inequality: A complex system analysis," Structural Change and Economic Dynamics, Elsevier, vol. 63(C), pages 224-240.
    2. Savona, María, 2020. "A “new normal” as a “new essential”? COVID-19, digital transformations and employment structures," Revista CEPAL, Naciones Unidas Comisión Económica para América Latina y el Caribe (CEPAL), December.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Contact tracing apps; data governance; digital applications; digital exclusion; public trust.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes
    • O36 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Open Innovation
    • O38 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Government Policy
    • L51 - Industrial Organization - - Regulation and Industrial Policy - - - Economics of Regulation

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