Hello from mandatory 14 day home quarantine in Hong Kong 👋 Going to share my experience about any digital processes here, namely the Health Declaration Form (online or paper) and the Stay Home Safe app.
Before my flight, I decided to fill out the Health Dec. Form online to see what that was like and save time https://twitter.com/janiswong_/status/1241423150572802055?s=20
On both paper and online, you get a Personal Data Collection Statement on how the information will be used. Here's the contents of the form, same in both paper and online.
On both paper and online, you get a Personal Data Collection Statement on how the information will be used. Here's the contents of the form, same in both paper and online.
On both paper and online, you get a Personal Data Collection Statement on how the information will be used. Here's the contents of the form, same in both paper and online.
When done, you get a QR code to save and show immigration. I ended up handing in a paper form as I was given one on the flight and passengers had to fill out another paper form on arrival anyways. I thought all paper would be less confusing. I didn't see anyone use their QR code.
On to the app! On the forms, I actually left my home phone as my contact number (no mobile requirement in eng or chi) b/c I don't have a fixed HK mobile and I'm going to be at home anyways. I was expecting a phone call and call the hotline to confirm my details about tracking.
When I got home, I downloaded the app, here are the (android) permissions. That's a lot of permissions. Once downloaded and opened, you get more information on how your data is used. The app supposedly uses AI 🤣🤣 Privacy is protected because it... doesn't work..?
When I got home, I downloaded the app, here are the (android) permissions. That's a lot of permissions. Once downloaded and opened, you get more information on how your data is used. The app supposedly uses AI Privacy is protected because it... doesn't work..?
When I got home, I downloaded the app, here are the (android) permissions. That's a lot of permissions. Once downloaded and opened, you get more information on how your data is used. The app supposedly uses AI Privacy is protected because it... doesn't work..?
When I got home, I downloaded the app, here are the (android) permissions. That's a lot of permissions. Once downloaded and opened, you get more information on how your data is used. The app supposedly uses AI Privacy is protected because it... doesn't work..?
When I got home, I downloaded the app, here are the (android) permissions. That's a lot of permissions. Once downloaded and opened, you get more information on how your data is used. The app supposedly uses AI Privacy is protected because it... doesn't work..?
All clicked through and then you have to scan the QR code through and register. However, you need to add in your phone number as well as the pin provided by the SMS which I don't have yet.
All clicked through and then you have to scan the QR code through and register. However, you need to add in your phone number as well as the pin provided by the SMS which I don't have yet.
All clicked through and then you have to scan the QR code through and register. However, you need to add in your phone number as well as the pin provided by the SMS which I don't have yet.
All clicked through and then you have to scan the QR code through and register. However, you need to add in your phone number as well as the pin provided by the SMS which I don't have yet.
Here are my attempts to call the hotline:
Day 1: Called the first time to have a recorded message saying that the line was busy and to call again. Called later and said that I should leave my name and number, only to have a message after saying that the mailbox was full.
Day 2: Called a few times but the phone would not connect.
Today is day 3: Same as day 2.

So that's now the app is going so far... 👌 Today I also have this notification from the app (three circles) that I can't get rid of so that's great.
Day 4: I got a call!!! Health Department called to give me a code for the app and with instructions on what to do. Had to turn on location 😬 bluetooth 😖 allow access to media 😨 and danced around home to identify where I am (dancing optional) 💃
Day 5: I was switching between wifi networks and it accidentally cut in between. A SHS app notification popped up to say that the app switched on my wifi 😥 Doesn't happen with location and bluetooth.
Day 6: Got a call again from a lady from the Health Department who asked nicely if I had any symptoms. I said no and she said that's all, gently reminding me to stay home until the end of the quarantine period. Wondering if it's because 2 on my flight tested positive 😬
Day 7: A quiet one. Feeling annoyed that I can't turn my phone off at night in case I get a knock on my door from the govt. Yes, I turn my phone off everyday. I like delaying turning on my phone in the morning to let my mind and thumb rest.
Day 8: I got an afternoon notification to scan my QR code – the wristband isn't useless! I was given 10secs to click on the notif. My phone's on vibrate so I'm not sure I would have picked it up if I wasn't coincidentally scrolling. App has permission to turn on the screen though
Day 9: Quiet but the ink on my wristband is starting to fade...

Day 10: Again quiet but thinking back to the other day when I got a call and wonder how the caller knew that I was me 🤔
Day 11, 12, 13, and 14 were all lackluster. Although my friend arrived in HK and showed my photos of his new transmitter wristband and it's chonky, but it wasn't tightened so they can also easily slip it off like a children's watch and requires a scan every few hours 🤷
But that's my quarantine, all before the city's locked down. Will still be staying at home as much as possible and social distancing. Stay safe, take care, and wear a mask!! 😷

Thanks to @Eliz_Beattie for picking up this thread in her article ⬇️ https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/04/watching-covid-19-surveillance-raises-privacy-fears-200403015854114.html
We're watching you: COVID-19 surveillance raises privacy fears

Gov't-mandated apps are bringing the fight against COVID-19 onto personal devices, prompting concerns about privacy.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/04/watching-covid-19-surveillance-raises-privacy-fears-200403015854114.html
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