LeaveHomeSafe

LeaveHomeSafe

  [[File:|frameless|alt=]]

Other names
Original author(s)
Developer(s)	Government of Hong Kong
Initial release	November 2020
Repository	{{URL|example.com|optional display text}}
Written in
Middleware
Engine

LeaveHomeSafe is a contact tracing mobile application developed by the Government of Hong Kong to facilitate the tracking and management of COVID-19 pandemic cases. The app was launched in November 2020 as part of the government's efforts to control the spread of the virus by enabling users to record their visits to various locations and receive notifications if they have been in close contact with confirmed COVID-19 cases.

Features

LeaveHomeSafe allows users to scan QR codes at participating venues to log their visits. The app stores the visit records locally on the user's device for 31 days, after which they are automatically deleted. Users can also manually enter their visit records if a QR code is not available. The app provides notifications to users if they have visited a location at the same time as a confirmed COVID-19 case, based on data provided by the Department of Health.

Privacy and Security

The app has been designed with privacy in mind, ensuring that all visit records are stored locally on the user's device and are not uploaded to any central server. The app does not require users to register or provide personal information, and the data is encrypted to protect user privacy. The government has emphasized that the app is voluntary and that users have full control over their data.

Implementation and Adoption

The Hong Kong government has encouraged the use of LeaveHomeSafe by requiring its use in government buildings and other public facilities. Many private businesses have also adopted the app, displaying QR codes at their entrances for customers to scan. As of 2023, the app has been downloaded by millions of users in Hong Kong.

Criticism and Controversy

Despite its intended purpose, LeaveHomeSafe has faced criticism from some quarters regarding its effectiveness and privacy implications. Some users have expressed concerns about the potential for government surveillance, although the government has repeatedly assured the public that the app does not track users' locations or collect personal data.

Impact on Public Health

LeaveHomeSafe has played a role in Hong Kong's public health strategy by enabling more efficient contact tracing and helping to identify potential COVID-19 exposure events. The app has been part of a broader set of measures, including social distancing and vaccination campaigns, aimed at controlling the spread of the virus.

Also see

• COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong
• Contact tracing apps
• Privacy concerns with contact tracing apps
• Government of Hong Kong