Profiled Project

COVIDSAFE App

To help combat the spread of COVID-19, the Federal Government led the development of the COVIDSafe app. 

Background

To help combat the spread of COVID-19, the Federal Government led the development of the COVIDSafe app. Leading up to the app’s release there was a raft of public commentary relating to its safety and privacy credentials and the amount of data that would be held. With these concerns in mind, the CSCRC offered to review these features for the government. Led by the CSCRC and Data61, a team of 17 cyber security experts analysed and tested the app, before handing a technical assessment to the government.

Outcome

Given the high-profile and public-facing nature of the app the CSCRC’s involvement presented a significant advocacy opportunity. It also raised the profile of the centre and highlighted the public-good work it undertakes. CEO Rachael Falk was able to speak with authority from an evidence base as to the app’s operations and its security rigour. Hence, the centre was a central player in helping shape public knowledge about the app and led a factual discourse regarding its implications for the security concerns of Australian citizens.

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the many Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and honour their Elders past and present.

We respect their deep enduring connection to their lands, waterways and surrounding clan groups since time immemorial. We cherish the richness of First Nations Peoples’ artistic and cultural expressions.

We are privileged to gather on this Country and through this website to share knowledge with future generations.