Army advises caution on make use of Aarogya Setu Covid iphone app in operational areas
The Indian army has asked its personnel never to utilize the Covid-19 contact-tracing application “Aarogya Setu” in the office premises, operational areas and sensitive locations.
While Indian army has advised its personnel, veterans and families to download the Aarogya Setu app, it has also asked them to check out cyber security precautions.
Aarogya Setu is a mobile iphone app produced by the ministry of electronics and Information Technology to greatly help citizens identify their risk of contracting Covid-19.
“Existing cyber security policies on consumption of mobile phones must be honored by army personnel while using the Aarogya Setu app,” the soldiers were informed, said sources..
The Indian Army has asked its personnel to only activate the location services and Bluetooth top features of the Aarogya Setu iphone app while visiting public places, engaged in managing "isolation centres", while on call for COVID-19 related assistance to civil authorities even though out of cantonments or military stations for essential administrative duties.
They are also told not to disclose their service identity including rank and appointment. The contact list of the user shouldn't contain any mention of rank appointment or service. The Army personnel have been advised to keep their mobile operating systems updated and install antivirus protection on the cell phones.
The Aarogya Setu application has crossed the 5 crore user mark in just 13 days since it was launched.
It uses Bluetooth, GPS, algorithms and artificial intelligence to notify users of their threat of catching the COVID-19 infection, by tracing the same data from other users of the app.
The app detects other devices with Aarogya Setu installed which come in the proximity of that phone. GPS tracks the location of the user instantly and Bluetooth tracks if and when the user will come in close proximity with someone infected by COVID-19.
If a user makes contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19, they'll be notified about it in a few days. The app has usage of the federal government of India’s database of known cases.
