New Delhi:Researchers at MIT Technology Review have given 2 out of 5 points to Aarogya Setu app on its COVID-19 app tracker index, saying it scores positively on the timely deletion of user data and collection of only useful data.
The Aarogya Setu app which has nearly 100 million users was compared with COVID-19 apps of 25 other countries.
The findings of contact-tracing apps were based on their enforcement, handling of data, privacy and transparency dynamics across the world.
The tracker, documented 25 such tools after analysing "what they are, how they work, and what policies and processes have been put in place around them".
Aarogya Setu scored positively on the timely deletion of user data and collection of only useful data but "failed to score on voluntary use, limitations of data usage, and transparency", said MIT Technology Review.
MIT Technology Review's database shows that India's app is unique in a number of other ways, too.
"Many countries are developing limited services that use Bluetooth or GPS to give ‘exposure notifications' to people who have interacted with someone found to have covid-19. India's app, though, is a massive all-in-one undertaking that far exceeds what most other countries are building," said the report.
Aarogya Setu also offers access to telemedicine, an e-pharmacy, and diagnostic services. It's whitelisted by all Indian telecom companies, so using it does not count against mobile data limits.