COVID-19 technologies
Examining new data practices and emerging technologies in response to COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our societies, global finance, health systems, employment and state services. It the rush to understand and control the virus, as well as manage and mitigate its effects, new uses of data and emergent technologies have been developed at pace.
The grave threat posed by the virus has meant societies have accepted an unprecedented incursion of liberty and rights in the face of a clear social need. We’ve explored the conditions for the legitimacy of these new technologies through a rapid, online public deliberation, held during the first lockdown.
In addition, we have undertaken rapid and rolling research and discussion events into the ethics and efficacy of contact tracing, ‘immunity’ and vaccine passports and symptom trackers, as well as monitoring their emergence, uptake and regulation around the world.
Related projects
Vaccine passports and COVID status apps
An evidence review and expert deliberation of the practical and ethical issues around digital vaccine passports and COVID status apps
COVID-19 digital contact tracing tracker
A resource for monitoring the development, uptake and efficacy of global attempts to utilise smartphones and other digital devices for contact tracing
International monitor: vaccine passports and COVID status apps
A tracker collating developments in policy and practices around vaccine certification and COVID status apps as they emerge around the world.
Tackling health and social inequalities in data-driven systems
Research to examine the interaction between data-driven systems and health and social inequalities, in the wake of COVID-19
Exit through the App Store?
COVID-19 rapid evidence review
From the Ada blog
Governments must offer clarity on vaccine passports
Why it's essential to explore the evidence, risks and benefits of vaccine passports and COVID status apps before any potential roll out
COVID-19, the gig economy and the hunger for surveillance
The hidden, and unfairly distributed, costs of convenience on gig economy workers
Can digital immunity certificates be introduced in a non-discriminatory way?
New forms of technology are coming. How do we ensure they’re deployed in a way that conforms to equality regulation?
The NHS COVID-19 app: is it an enduring public health technology?
Will the long-awaited contract tracing app deliver on its promises for 2020 and beyond?
Related publications
Immunity certificates and public health identity systems
Tracking public and private applications of public health identity systems and collating and monitoring as details emerge into the public domain.
Learning data lessons: data access and sharing during COVID-19
Findings from an expert workshop exploring lessons learned from data-driven initiatives that emerged in response to COVID-19.
No green lights, no red lines
Lessons to assist Government and policymakers navigating difficult dilemmas when deploying data-driven technologies to manage the pandemic
Report
COVID-19 rapid evidence review
A rapid evidence review of the technical considerations and societal implications of using technology to transition from the COVID-19 crisis
Confidence in a crisis?
Findings of a public online deliberation project on attitudes to the use of COVID-19 related technologies for transitioning out of lockdown
Provisos for a contact tracing app
An update to the COVID-19 rapid evidence review: Exit though the App Store?
COVID-19 rapid evidence review
A rapid evidence review of the technical considerations and societal implications of using technology to transition from the first COVID-19 lockdown