Rastreamento de contatos como ferramenta de combate à transmissão do SARS-COV-2: benchmark internacional, soluções tecnológicas e considerações éticas

Abstract

The global health crisis caused by the SARS-Cov-2 virus is being considered one of the most challenges to civilization in the 21st century. Since the prospects for a vaccine or an effective therapeutic treatment in the short run are low, new strategies are needed to prevent the spread of the disease. This article compiles the international experience on digital contact tracing solutions, goes on the show the potential tools that are available and, finally, analyses the ethical and privacy implications of such a scheme. We conclude that there is clearly potential for digital contact tracing to be a relevant tool in combating the spread of SARS-Cov-2. However, the implementation strategy must be carefully drawn, in order not only to make sure that the app works properly, but also to prevent the fear that it might in any way hurt citizens’ basic rights or invade their privacy.