Another plea filed in Kerala HC over mandatory use of Aarogya Setu app; hearing on May 18

On Friday, a Kerala HC bench comprising Justice Anu Sivaraman and Justice MR Anitha posted for hearing on May 18 a fresh petition challenging Centre's guidelines mandating compulsory use of Aarogya Setu app for all public and private employees returning to work. Appearing for petitioner, vocate SK hithyan highlighted that terms and conditions of app gave guarantee that it was effecting in tracing a COVID-19 contact. Moreover, he argued that Centre can change terms of service anytime and Aarogya Setu user shall be forced to follow m. However, bench pointed out that it h alrey sought a statement from Union government on those aspects while hearing ar petition, whose hearing would take place on May 18.

Earlier on Tuesday, Kerala HC bench refused to stay Central government's guidelines while hearing a similar plea. Inste, it sought response from Centre on how app could be me mandatory when many people do t have smartphones. Also, court asked for a report on Aarogya Setu's privacy safeguards. 

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Aarogya Setu app

Originally introduced in early April, contact tracing app has seen 100 million downlos alrey. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and or Union Ministers have repeatedly encourd us of Aarogya Setu. Basically, app compiles user location and Bluetooth data to help individual user and government trace potential COVID-19 cases. Some experts have raised concerns over app needing far more data than necessary and use of GPS-based location data.

But, NITI Aayog has defended app and clarified that location data was being used on an aggregated basis. In new guidelines issued by Ministry of Home Affairs for third phase of lockdown, he of organization has been me responsible for ensuring 100% cover of app among employees. Furrmore, guidelines state that all residents living in a containment zone must downlo app. 

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Centre on Tuesday, May 12, issued a set of guidelines for processing of data collected through Aarogya Setu app that prohibits stor of data for more than 6 months and specifies jail term for violation of rules. app permits collection of only demographic, contact, self-assessment and location data of persons infected by COVID-19 or those who come in contact with infected person. Moreover, a toll-free number '1921' has been released for those who do t have smartphones. 

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(With ANI inputs)