Tasmanians not downloading COVIDSafe due to out-of-date tech, privacy concerns

Tasmanians have refused to download the Federal Government’s COVIDSafe app en masse, citing two main reasons. Find out what they are here >>

TASMANIANS have refused to download the Federal Government’s COVIDSafe app en masse, citing two main reasons.

A new report has revealed out-of-date technology has hindered the uptake of the COVIDSafe app in Tasmania.

A Tasmanian Federal Independent MP said the report was a “damning summary of another Federal Government technology stuff up.”

The report was conducted as part of the University of Tasmania’s The Tasmania Project, which was aimed at understand the way Tasmanians were living amid the pandemic.

According to the data, out of 652 respondents about 40 per cent of people had downloaded the app, however 25 per cent said they would not download the app and 28 per cent were unsure.

Out of those who said they would not download the app, 38 per cent cited privacy reasons and a lack of trust, and 15 per cent said they could not download the app due to having older or incompatible phones or no storage space.

Institute for Social Change director Professor Libby Lester said some Tasmanians not having suitable devices reinforced the need to know more about digital access and equity in the state.

“While the age range of respondents saying they will not download the app is between 25 and 84 years, it is largely older people who say they cannot because of their phones,” she said.

“We do need to understand this better, particularly if it is those in the community most vulnerable to COVID-19 who are not able to access the app.”

Independent Member for Clark Andrew Wilkie said he would not be downloading the app for a number of reasons.

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“Including most importantly that the low take-up rate in the community will give people a false sense of security and encourage them to slack off on precautions that work like physical distancing,” he said.

“It beggars belief that the bureaucrats in Canberra came up with an app that many older Australians can’t use because they don’t have the latest smart phone.”

A State Government spokesperson said they were aware that there would be some Tasmanians who would unfortunately be unable to download the app.

“That’s why it’s really important that those who are able to, should do so,” they said.

“Anyone who is having any troubles with the app should contact the National Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 020 080.”

Department of Health Acting Secretary Caroline Edwards said more than 5.1 million Australians had registered to used the COVIDSafe app since its launch, however the data was not yet being used by officials to track cases.