UK’s Information Commissioner Office approves use of mobile data to track coronavirus outbreak

In a statement, ICO’s Deputy Commissioner Steve Wood confirmed the government can use generalized location data to track movements in the fight against the coronavirus outbreak. Wood said “generalised location data trend analysis is helping to tackle the coronavirus crisis. Where this data is properly anonymised and aggregated, it does not fall under data protection law because no individual is identified. In these circumstances, privacy laws are not breached as long as the appropriate safeguards are in place. The ICO has provided advice about how data protection law can continue to apply flexibly to protect lives and data. The safety and security of the public remains our primary concern. We will continue to work alongside Government to provide advice about the application of data protection law during these unprecedented times.”