Initial findings from a study by researchers at Swansea University and The University of Manchester on the use of the UK’s planned Covid-19 contact tracing app has evoked mixed reactions.
The study so far found that only one-third of people will be downloading the app, who indicated they will do so for the “greater good”. The rest of the survey participants responded that they will not be downloading the app or are not yet sure about it.
Some of the commonly shared concerns among the people are that the contract tracing app will infringe on the privacy of individuals and that it will stigmatise those infected with Covid-19. Certain participants in the survey also believe that the app will not be used by a sufficient number of people for it to be effective.
The study also found that some people are actively avoiding news coverage on the pandemic which could be resulting in the lack of information about the contract tracing app and may affect them if they use it. Another thing found during the survey is that it is common among people to have misinformation about the app and the way it works.
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The researchers carried out online focus groups with UK adults across a range of gender, age, ethnicity, and occupational backgrounds to know about their attitudes on the proposed NHSX contact tracing app that is currently being piloted in the Isle of Wight.
According to the University of Manchester, although the five focus groups consisted of 22 people, the researchers claim that as it is a qualitative study, it is probable to be indicative of general public opinion.
Dr Simon William from Swansea University, who led the research, said: “A lot of work needs to be done to build public confidence and trust in their handling of COVID-19, and to improve communication around the app, especially after recent criticism over the handling of lockdown easing.
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“The protection of privacy remains a widespread concern. People associated the app with the growth of ‘Big Brother’ surveillance. People were also concerned that uptake would not be high enough for it to be effective.
“The irony of course is that if enough people decide not to use it because they think others won’t, it becomes a kind of self-fulfilling prophesy.”
