Security News > 2020 > June > Amnesty Sounds Alarm Over Gulf, Norway Virus Apps
Amnesty International warned Tuesday that contact-tracing technology developed to contain the novel coronavirus threatens users' privacy, highlighting Bahraini, Kuwaiti and Norwegian apps as "Among the most dangerous".
Detailed technical analysis of 11 such apps around the world showed that Bahrain, Kuwait and Norway's offerings were "Carrying out live or near-live tracking of users' locations", the rights group said.
Less invasive apps use Bluetooth proximity scanning to detect encounters with infected users.
Authorities in Norway said Monday they would suspend the "Smittestopp" app over privacy fears.
Amnesty singled out Bahrain for linking its tool to a televised competition called "Are you at home?" in which 10 phone numbers registered with the app were called daily to ensure self-isolation.