8 votes

NHS publishes source code for UK contact tracing app

3 comments

  1. [2]
    undu
    Link
    I'm more worried about what they can do on the server side than the fronted application, which is the main point against a centralised system. This action does nothing to assuage the initial...

    I'm more worried about what they can do on the server side than the fronted application, which is the main point against a centralised system.

    This action does nothing to assuage the initial criticism and nothing more than a PR attempt to signal "transparency" and "openness" to the media and the uneducated public.

    3 votes
    1. StandenSound
      Link Parent
      I agree. An opensoure front end addresses some security concerns but doesn't really tackle privacy concern. They are still tracking people and storing the data centrally. As you said it is likely...

      I agree. An opensoure front end addresses some security concerns but doesn't really tackle privacy concern. They are still tracking people and storing the data centrally. As you said it is likely PR to make the app appear "safe".

  2. Greg
    Link
    It's available on their GitHub: https://github.com/nhsx - initial reports suggest that they aren't using the newly agreed Apple/Google standard, but that they have successfully worked around iOS's...

    It's available on their GitHub: https://github.com/nhsx - initial reports suggest that they aren't using the newly agreed Apple/Google standard, but that they have successfully worked around iOS's Bluetooth restrictions.

    The BBC also chose to add the following:

    In a related development, Health Secretary Matt Hancock has announced that Baroness Dido Harding will head up the wider test, track and trace programme.

    The appointment has surprised some given that when she was chief executive of TalkTalk, the internet provider suffered a major data breach and failed to properly notify affected customers.

    Given their generally well upheld neutrality and primarily British readership, that can reasonably be read as "Jesus fucking Christ are they fucking serious right now?".

    2 votes