Digital technologies for fighting COVID-19 must be effective and respect fundamental rights

Public authorities worldwide – and Argentina is no exception – are resorting to technology in search of responses that allow reduce the negative consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. The dissemination of data on the disease, contact-tracing and compliance with quarantine measures are goals that governments seek to achieve with the aid of mobile applications. In view of this, ADC warns on the interference that such initiatives have on the exercise and enjoyment of fundamental rights. In addition to the fact that a number of these resolutions are of dubious efficacy, the huge amount of data gathered by authorities could eventually be used against individuals. Thus, all steps concerning technology implementation should be taken with transparency, without undue haste, and assuring the participation of society in their control.