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Original poster

Will you be getting the track and trace app? If not, why not?

372 replies

FairIsleFenella · 25/09/2020 17:59

I've downloaded it. The only info I had to give was the first half of my postcode. I'm happy to use it, I have nothing to hide! However, I know there will be people who are unhappy to use it. If you are one of them, please tell me why. Is it a civil liberties issue?

OP posts:
RayOfSunshine2013 · 25/09/2020 21:30

No, because I don’t want to be tracked and traced and subjected to isolation which could lose me money

Mcmole · 25/09/2020 21:32

Not downloaded it as I think you need to be within 2m of someone for minimum 15 minutes for it to trigger anyway. I'm not seeing anyone or doing anything in close proximity to other people for that length of time so there's not much point draining my battery unnecessarily.

Frappuccinofan · 25/09/2020 21:37

@Heatherjayne1972

I’m surprised at businesses turning customers away! What if you don’t own a phone? Do they really want to turn potential income away ?
They didn’t turn them away per se, they asked them to download the NHS app and scan the QR code in said app as they said weren’t allowed to let customers sit in otherwise. I think this is true after a cursory google but they should have a backup system for those without the app. The customers were happy to download the app though, which is presumably why they weren’t offered the backup option
Dustballs · 25/09/2020 21:40

No. I think my phone's too old. Even if it was able to have the app - I wouldn't. I don't trust the government and what they'll do with my details.

I know it won't work very well and don't want to have to isolate several times needlessly.

daisychain01 · 25/09/2020 21:41

@PennyDreadfuI

I downloaded it but it killed my battery really quickly - usually I can go 36 hoursish between charges but my phone went from fully charged to 2% in 6 hours. Obviously Bluetooth uses a lot of battery but perhaps it's a bug? I don't go anywhere anyway, just the supermarket a few times a week and walks with DH, so never in close contact with anyone really.
Makes sense that if your Bluetooth is switched on and enabled, it will be constantly polling out for other Bluetooth enabled phones, to make the T+T connection.

You could disable your Bt when you're at home, and restart it when you go out - I think I'll do that, as it's pointless having it on at home (for me anyway). I'll just put a PostIt note on my phone to remind me to switch on again!

Terralee · 25/09/2020 21:54

I didn't know there was an app until I went to a restaurant for lunch... they had to write down my number instead along with most other people's.

I don't like to have my location services on as it drains my battery.
And having Bluetooth on means anyone around can send spam to your phone.

I don't understand how to scan things using my phone anyway.

kittensarecute · 25/09/2020 22:16

I have downloaded, there's nothing I won't do to get my normal life back.

hm246 · 25/09/2020 22:17

Haven’t yet. Don’t trust this government to make something that is fully functional and working, but might consider downloading in the future. I also have my location services and Bluetooth off to save battery.

Triangularbubble · 25/09/2020 22:29

No and I won’t unless I’m made to (in which case my phone will be spending a lot of time turned off). Don’t trust government IT, don’t see the point of it, doubt it will make a scrap of difference to the infection rate, don’t want to risk being unnecessarily told to isolate and I think my phone is too old anyway.

HeIenaDove · 25/09/2020 22:50

@Jellycat Im 47 and i dont tend to replace phones if they still work.

Plus im only being a good little girl and doing as i was told........

www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/tory-esther-mcvey-suggests-poor-14210844

Tory Esther McVey says poor families 'prioritise new phones over food
Grin

Redwinestillfine · 25/09/2020 22:56

How does it link in with the Google one?

R1R2 · 25/09/2020 23:05

@Redwinestillfine

How does it link in with the Google one?
The App runs on a API jointly developed by Apple and Google which allows both iOS and Android based phones to communicate with each other as long as they have the same app installed.
Chelsea567 · 25/09/2020 23:11

I've got it. Why wouldn't you??

Chelsea567 · 25/09/2020 23:12

I have an old se iPhone and it works fine

U8myufo · 25/09/2020 23:17

My phone only does basic calls and texts it can't do apps. Also, it sounds awful 'a digital diary of where you've been' is how it was described by the BBC. If that doesn't ring alarm bells with people I don't know what will!

stonefire · 25/09/2020 23:18

I'm reluctant to download it but I know at least a few places that I use will be insisting on using it, so I think I'm going to have to just to gain entry to certain places. I don't want to be the one person spending ages filling out a paper form instead. But I'll be turning off contact tracing and bluetooth once I've got in. I always keep bluetooth and GPS off to save battery and I don't want to risk getting a false reading and being told to self isolate unnecessarily. And as it's not a legal requirement to self isolate if the app tells you to, I won't unless I actually have symptoms myself.

catsarecute · 25/09/2020 23:18

I've got it. Whatever helps control the spread is good as far as I'm concerned. Levels are through the roof here and spread appears to be exponential. More than 20 times what it was when schools reopened 3 weeks ago. From what I read, the privacy issues with this app we're resolved (as compared to the original app they were trialling).

catsarecute · 25/09/2020 23:19

*10 times

SallySeven · 25/09/2020 23:21

There is a Scottish version but I haven't downloaded it. I don't hang out in public places currently. Barring a quick visit to a shop, less than 15 minutes.

Saladd0dger · 25/09/2020 23:21

I will be using it to check in but can’t have contact tracing on it uses all the battery.

HeronLanyon · 25/09/2020 23:22

I saw it in my app list (didn’t download it). No idea what it is or how it works nor why it appeared on my phone. Never been asked to tap in anywhere etc. Never in 15 min close contact with strangers at the moment.

R1R2 · 25/09/2020 23:22

@U8myufo

My phone only does basic calls and texts it can't do apps. Also, it sounds awful 'a digital diary of where you've been' is how it was described by the BBC. If that doesn't ring alarm bells with people I don't know what will!
It has no idea where it picked up a Bluetooth connection it doesn't use GPS at all the only time the app would know where you are is when you scan a QR code to check in somewhere and even that isn't mandatory. The data never leaves your device, if someone tests positive when they enter the code into the app it sends their last 14 days of digital fingerprints off to the server which your app then downloads and cross references against. There are no alarm bells to ring the app is open source anyone can go and view its code.
vanillandhoney · 25/09/2020 23:26

No.

Anticyclone · 25/09/2020 23:28

It is truly frightening the about of misunderstanding and misinformation there is on this thread. However a lot of that is the current government's fault for losing large amounts of credibility and public trust through the many farcical missteps of the last few months.

RedToothBrush · 25/09/2020 23:38

Fuck no.

So many issues with this app, I don't know where to begin.