NZ COVID Tracer app for Android and iOS

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Ultimate Geek
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#2539019 12-Aug-2020 01:53

ObidiahSlope:

I just registered the tracing app on my phone.

Requiring a ten character password is overkill. Another case of perfection being the enemy of the good.

Yeah, it's as if they really don't want you to use it. Make sure you record the password and the email address you used for login, because mine has forgotten my login and password 2-3 times now. So I've missed one or two scans in the last couple of days until I re-entered the details tonight.

None of my other Android apps seem to lose their login and password.

#include <standard.disclaimer>

lxsw20

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#2539021 12-Aug-2020 03:02

Use a password manager if you don't want to remember long passphrases. Most of my passwords are 32 characters, and I have no idea what they are.

It's good practice to use secure passwords, especially if you're dealing with things like personal information and peoples movements.

nzkiwiman

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#2539023 12-Aug-2020 05:46

I set mine up again this morning after waking to the news; thankfully Google Smart Lock knew my password as I had no clue.

Guess I'll be scanning those codes I've been ignoring for the last few months; Google has most of my location history from playing Pokemon Go.

mikee13

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#2539214 12-Aug-2020 10:36

nzkiwiman:

... Google has most of my location history ...

Just wondering (aloud) if the NZ Covid Tracer app would ever be enhanced to include "opt-in" tracking functionality similar to how Google does it ?

IMHO Google does a good job tracking me wherever I go; have even used the tracking history to "remember" dates of a overseas trip (ah, fond memories of the "good old days" when we used to travel to other countries 😀).

I suspect that like me, many others would embrace this type of technology - it allows me to "do my bit" without it being a hassle. I am a firm believer in technology that makes our lives/jobs easier with less hassles and as such, have no issue with Google (or the COVID tracer app) knowing my exact movements (home, work, shopping, walk dogs, repeat 😁).

I would gladly switch this option on if it ever were to become available.

However I do understand that others may feel this is "invasive" so it would always have to be an "opt-in" function.

Technofreak

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#2539252 12-Aug-2020 11:28

nzkiwiman:

I set mine up again this morning after waking to the news; thankfully Google Smart Lock knew my password as I had no clue.

Guess I'll be scanning those codes I've been ignoring for the last few months; Google has most of my location history from playing Pokemon Go.

That is, assuming they are displayed, which it seems by my experience they are most likely not displayed.

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morrisk

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#2539260 12-Aug-2020 11:36

Good to see walking through Wellington CBD just now that a lot of QR codes have appeared this morning.

Message finally getting through to businesses it seems.

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dafman

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#2539262 12-Aug-2020 11:38

morrisk:

Good to see walking through Wellington CBD just now that a lot of QR codes have appeared this morning.

Message finally getting through to businesses it seems.

Bloomfield - 100,000 downloads of app overnight.

Technofreak

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#2539264 12-Aug-2020 11:40

Oblivian:

ObidiahSlope:

I just registered the tracing app on my phone.

Requiring a ten character password is overkill. Another case of perfection being the enemy of the good.

Keep it on hand. There is a 30 day 'please re-enter' token per the 'security advice' they followed coding.

Two good examples of why, in my opinion, this app has failed. It might be technically perfect but technical perfection doesn't mean it works for the mass user. Technology followers like Geekzoners will put up with these types of annoyances, the average user will not.

To get the required uptake the app needs to be

simple to use
quick to access
minimal hurdles to setting it up and for on going use.
QR codes at all venues that actually work and are easily accessible.

Sony Xperia XA2 running Sailfish OS. https://sailfishos.org The true independent open source mobile OS
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Dell Inspiron 14z i5

openmedia

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#2539311 12-Aug-2020 12:23

Like many others I'm regularly being logged out of the App which is very frustrating.

Don't hit this with most of my other Android Apps

Generally known online as OpenMedia, now working for Red Hat APAC as a Technology Evangelist and Portfolio Architect. Still playing with MythTV and digital media on the side.

Oblivian

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#2539318 12-Aug-2020 12:40

It's every 30 days.
If it's less, then something else is broken. Cause mine doesn't

It's in the app spec and faq.

They are following a security best practice from nzsis.

That has min cryptic 10char and 30day re validation

You don't have to be a tech user. Just willing to read why they have.

Make it easier, and people will equally cry fowl over lack security measures when it comes to personal information.

kiwifidget

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#2539319 12-Aug-2020 12:42

Myself and Himself did not get the text alerts, but then we have Chinese phones that are not alert capable.

No Biggie.

But no announcement via the Covid app either.

Is there anything this app can actually do?

Delete cookies?! Are you insane?!

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afe66

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#2539327 12-Aug-2020 12:57

Since the app could have my full name, DOB, ethnicity, home address, phone number, email contact address, i dont think the password restrictions are unreasonable.

dafman

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#2539426 12-Aug-2020 14:30

GregV: Is there any way to have the app open the 'register a visit' page by default? It is what I want to do 99% of the time I launch the app.

I've submitted feedback, but just checking I haven't missed a setting somewhere

Agree, it's what 99% of the people want to do 99% of the time. That this is not an option, even after feedback, is typical of what we have come to expect, the whole process has been substandard from the outset.

You think they would be bending over backwards to improve ease of use to encourage uptake, but no.

But now CT is back, I guess we are saddled with using a poor process in substitute for no process.

BarTender

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#2539428 12-Aug-2020 14:33

mikee13: Just wondering (aloud) if the NZ Covid Tracer app would ever be enhanced to include "opt-in" tracking functionality similar to how Google does it ?

IMHO Google does a good job tracking me wherever I go; have even used the tracking history to "remember" dates of a overseas trip (ah, fond memories of the "good old days" when we used to travel to other countries 😀).

I suspect that like me, many others would embrace this type of technology - it allows me to "do my bit" without it being a hassle. I am a firm believer in technology that makes our lives/jobs easier with less hassles and as such, have no issue with Google (or the COVID tracer app) knowing my exact movements (home, work, shopping, walk dogs, repeat 😁).

I would gladly switch this option on if it ever were to become available.

However I do understand that others may feel this is "invasive" so it would always have to be an "opt-in" function.

I doubt this would ever be included in the Government supplied app, but who knows if 3rd parties may leverage the MoH APIs and QRs and support this (such as Rippl)

The issue is as part of downloading the app you would need to allow access to GPS and then there could be the assumed invasion of privacy which I know the MoH folks were really careful to make sure individuals privacy was respected.

dafman

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#2539514 12-Aug-2020 16:21

Display of QR code now mandatory, one week's grace to comply

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