So far, Moscow has about half of Russia’s coronavirus cases. While Moscow is in a citywide lockdown, Russia’s testing a coronavirus app and mobile QR barcodes to track people who are sick — and possibly those who are not.
While both of these technology uses are controversial, they may be helpful tools to slow the spread of the virus. China has already claimed success with similar tracking technology.
Moscow’s coronavirus lockdown
As in other cities around the world, authorities in Russia have ordered everyone in Moscow to stay at home. They have also shut down businesses that they deem to be non-essential. These measures are in place to slow the spread of the coronavirus, and to force people to follow social distancing rules.
As of April, Moscovites are only allowed to leave their homes if they need to walk their dogs, take out the trash, or visit a nearby shop or pharmacy.
But even though boutiques, bowling alleys, bingo halls and other places of entertainment have been shut down, that doesn’t mean that residents need to be bored at home. Russian officials have recommended that people seek out entertainment over the internet, which can include everything from going on Moon Bingo to watching Netflix.
Russia’s coronavirus app
Russia’s coronavirus app is similar to the case tracking and contact tracing app being tested in the UK and other countries. For now, the app isn’t required to use, but residents who are sick or have been tested are strongly encouraged to use it to register their symptoms or test results.
Of course in order to succeed, this kind of app requires users to be honest, disciplined, and not afraid to share their health data and locations. The app’s developers promise that the app will not access any data other than what is required for its main purpose.
For now, Russia’s coronavirus app is mainly being used to monitor those who do have the coronavirus and who have also been ordered to stay at home. The app isn’t required of the many residents who aren’t showing any symptoms at all.
Mobile QR code tracking for everyone?
Though the coronavirus app is not yet required, all Moscow residents may soon need to register a QR code, which is a barcode that can be scanned right from your phone. If this tech legislation is approved, Muscovites will need to scan their code every single time they want to leave the house. Law enforcement officials will then have the power to stop residents on the street to make sure that they have scanned their code.
The barcode system will supposedly be unveiled as soon as the legislation is approved. If residents are found to be breaking the rules, they could be fined a significant amount.
To some, this system sounds very “Big Brother” draconian. But for people who are already used to a certain level of daily surveillance, these new mobile tracking methods may be just another way to feel a certain sense of order and security.
For more details about Russia’s coronavirus tracking app, the QR code initiative, and efforts to unite similar apps in the EU, see this BBC story. And for more on the controversy behind the QR codes, see this CNN story.
Around the world, companies and cities are using apps in the fight against coronavirus — see the latest stories here.
