Tracking the virus – privacy vs protection: Can data tracking slow the coronavirus pandemic? And at what cost to personal privacy? E&T balances the opportunities against the risks to find out

A TWEET BY DATA analytics firm Tectonix recently went viral. The interactive video map shows how visitors returning from a Florida beach party spread out across the country. Many of those tested positive for Covid-19 and could infect thousands of others, underlining how reckless behaviour by individuals ignoring public health affects everyone else. It graphically illustrates why politicians and public health experts are so keen on tracking the public's movements. Data like this “can save lives at scale”, says Tectonix chief marketing officer Mike DiMarco, “but only when used responsibly. It should drive informed, productive decisions, not infringe on our rights.”