The big takeaway from today's contact tracing app debacle isn't about centralised vs decentralised. It's about power. The UK government thought it could stare down two of the biggest tech companies on the planet — and it lost. The consequences will reverberate for years to come

FWIW I think the decision by NHSX to switch is the right one. The app has to actually work or nothing else about it matters. And remember the app is just one part of a wider contact tracing system, all of which needs to function properly https://institute.global/policy/contact-tracing-apps-what-uk-government-should-do-next

I also don't particularly fault Apple or Google. The technology clearly has scope for abuse, hence the limitations they imposed. It's not in their interests to start adjudicating which countries are exempt, even if their stance makes you uncomfortable (which maybe it should)

The point is all the big tech companies wield enormous power. It's not good enough for us to fête them when they do things we personally agree with and slam them when they hold firm on positions we disagree with. 21st century power requires 21st century oversight / regulation