Media release
Big tech involvement in Covidsafe app warrants further scrutiny
Commenting on the Australian government’s contract to store data collected by Covidsafe on Amazon’s cloud service, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Dhakshayini Sooriyakumaran, Human Rights Director, Australasian Centre for Corporate Responsibility said:
“The Australian government’s contract with Amazon, an offshore service provider for public health data storage, raises issues of safety and security.
“Those downloading Covidsafe, should be deeply concerned that Amazon operates under US law, and Australian data is legally obtainable by US law enforcement (no matter where in the world it is held) ¹.
“Amazon’s poor track record with corporate responsibility does little to back the Australian government’s claims about Covidsafe’s trustworthiness.
“It should be of concern to the Government and the public that Amazon has a history of numerous data breaches², involvement in controversial facial recognition technologies³ and that its factory workers are protesting demanding basic health, safety and sick leave measures.
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Contact:
Dhakshayini Sooriyakumaran | dhakshayini@old.accr.org.au | +61 475 458 201
