Early Perceptions of COVID-19 Contact Tracing Apps in German-Speaking Countries: Comparative Mixed Methods Study.

摘要: Background: The main German-speaking countries (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland) have implemented digital contact tracing apps to assist the authorities with COVID-19 containment strategies. Low user rates for these can affect and, thus, its usefulness in controlling spread of novel coronavirus. Objective: This study aimed assess early perceptions people living compare them frames portrayed newspapers during first wave pandemic. Methods: We conducted qualitative interviews 159 participants SolPan project. Of those, 110 discussed were included this study. analyzed articles regarding from 12 countries. Results: Study perceived newspaper coverage all framed as governmental surveillance tools embedded a broader context technological surveillance. Participants identified trust authorities, respect individual privacy, voluntariness, temporary use prerequisites democratic compatibility. Newspapers commonly referenced such Asian countries, emphasizing differences privacy regulation among countries. Conclusions: uptake may be undermined due risks that are not compensated by potential benefits rooted deeper skepticism towards tools. When plan implement new practices future, they should very transparent proactive communicating their objectives role technology—and how it differs other, possibly similar, It is also important publicly address ethical, legal, social issues related technologies prior launch.