DeepSummary
The podcast episode discusses the human rights implications of technology and social distancing measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. It covers topics such as government surveillance through smartphone tracking and contact tracing apps, increased reliance on online platforms like Zoom, and the spread of misinformation on social media.
The guests express concerns about privacy erosion and lack of transparency regarding data collection and usage by governments and tech companies. They highlight the need for scrutiny and consultation with human rights experts while developing policies and technologies aimed at tackling the pandemic.
The episode also touches upon the potential discriminatory impacts of contact tracing apps and the challenges of effective public communication during the crisis. It concludes by acknowledging the opportunity to rethink the social contract with technology and find a balance between public health and individual rights.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- The COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased government surveillance and data collection through smartphone tracking and contact tracing apps, raising concerns about privacy erosion.
- Online platforms like Zoom and social media have become essential for work, socializing, and accessing information, but their business models relying on data sharing raise privacy concerns.
- The spread of misinformation and disinformation online, particularly on platforms like WhatsApp and social media, has become a significant challenge during the pandemic.
- There is a need for transparency, consultation with human rights experts, and clear definitions regarding data collection and usage by governments and tech companies.
- The pandemic has highlighted the opportunity to rethink the social contract with technology and find a balance between public health and individual rights.
- Public acceptance of intrusive surveillance measures is a key factor, even if the technology is available.
- There are concerns about the potential discriminatory impacts of contact tracing apps and the lack of testing to make them effective.
- Effective public communication and messaging have been challenging during the crisis, leading to the spread of misinformation and confusion.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “I think the real key to surveillance because of Covid-19 is the use of smartphones and metadata geolocation data of smartphones, alongside the development of new apps to monitor either symptoms or contact tracing or checking how far people are staying away from each other.“ by Suzy Allegre
- “I think it's very interesting that YouTube, looking at dealing with misinformation, decided to ban all videos about 5g conspiracy theories. But I think how that pans out and what the potential unintended consequences of that are is something that we also need to watch.“ by Suzy Allegre
- “And so I think the big difference is how far the public are willing to accept a very obvious and intrusive.“ by Suzy Allegre
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Episode Information
Better Human Podcast
Adam Wagner
4/15/20