Controversy Over Employee Location Tracking App Development by US Companies Including PwC

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] It has been reported that U.S. companies are developing their own employee location-tracking applications (apps) under the pretext of preventing the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), sparking controversy. While location-tracking apps are expected to effectively prevent virus spread, concerns have been raised about human rights issues due to privacy invasions.

According to major foreign media on the 26th (local time), global consulting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and some U.S. companies are reportedly developing apps that can track employees' locations to prevent the spread of COVID-19. PwC has built a system that tracks employees' locations using Bluetooth and Wi-Fi functions based on employees' smartphones, and allows HR personnel to notify employees if they have come into contact with someone infected with COVID-19.

U.S. spatial intelligence solutions company ROSSIS is separately developing a location-tracking device with an error range within a few centimeters. ROSSIS's location-tracking device is known to display the location and time of infected employees as well as the devices or surfaces of objects they have contacted. Smart facility solutions company Microshare has had employees wear badges, keychains, and bracelets embedded with Bluetooth.

While these devices are effective in preventing the spread of COVID-19, they have also sparked concerns about privacy invasions among employees. Rob Meshrow, head of PwC's Connected Solutions division, said, "The system has measures in place to prevent privacy invasions when accessing employees' location information," adding, "Ultimately, it is the employers' responsibility to protect employees' privacy."

Previously, location-tracking apps faced strong opposition amid concerns over excessive government privacy invasions in various European countries. France announced the introduction of a location-tracking app for the entire population but later stated it would implement it only after parliamentary approval by the 11th of next month due to strong public backlash. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced mandatory app installation for the entire population but retreated to a voluntary usage principle after facing fierce criticism.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.