Coronavirus: NHS contact-tracing app open to ‘malicious false alerts’, experts warn

Latest updates and essential advice from the news source you trust Trouble viewing? [View in browser]( [Image]( [Image] Daily coronavirus briefing Latest updates and essential advice from the news source you trust NHS contact-tracing app open to ‘malicious false alerts’, experts warn The new NHS contact-tracing app could be [used to send malicious alerts]( causing people to isolate unnecessarily, The Independent has been told. The app, which is being trialled in the Isle of Wight, tells users if someone they have been in close proximity with may be suffering from coronavirus, meaning they could be exposed. But because users can set off the warnings themselves by reporting symptoms – rather than positive Covid-19 test results – it could be used to send out false alerts. Dr Michael Veale, a lecturer in digital rights at University College London, said Britain’s tracing app had no measures in place to stop individuals “maliciously triggering notifications” using its normal functionality. Easing the lockdown in the UK could begin by [relaxing restrictions for around 60 per cent of the population]( while strengthening protection for the most vulnerable people, experts have suggested. Researchers at the University of Edinburgh believe the twin approach – known as “segmenting and shielding” – could help healthy young adults return to work while still protecting the NHS. The group of independent academics say lockdown restrictions could gradually be eased for most people over a 12-week period, so long as some measures were kept in place to keep transmission rates as low as possible. A key scientist advising the government on the pandemic has [resigned after flouting social distancing restrictions](, admitting he made an “error of judgement”. Professor Neil Ferguson, an epidemiologist whose modelling convinced Boris Johnson to press ahead with a UK-wide lockdown, stood down from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies after the allegations emerged. It was claimed that Professor Ferguson allowed a woman – described as his ”lover” – to visit him at home in London on at least two occasions during the shutdown despite strict rules against mixing households. Podcast [Image]( The Independent Coronavirus Podcast Subscribe now wherever you listen for all the latest coronavirus news. [Listen now]( There's now three ways to support independent journalism. Why not explore our [subscription options](, [choose to donate]( or simply [register for free](? Top stories [I'm an image]( PREMIUM [The Brexit boys are back in town to put a premature end to lockdown]( [I'm an image]( [Why the NHS's coronavirus app has become so controversial]( [I'm an image]( [Care homes still expected to take Covid-19 hospital patients]( More news [UK now has highest coronavirus death toll in Europe]( [Seven charts that show the true scale of the UK coronavirus outbreak]( [Woman arrested and four hospitalised after Welsh ‘stabbing incident’]( [Ousted scientist claims Trump ignored virus warnings in new complaint]( [Man dies and two injured after attack by water buffalo in Wales]( [Support Independent Journalism]( Suggested for you [I'm an image]( [Warm, sunny start to bank holiday weekend before big chill sweeps in]( [I'm an image]( [Fakery and privacy fears raised over NHS contact-tracing app]( [I'm an image]( [Coronavirus news you may have missed overnight]( [I'm an image]( [Coronavirus is worsening health inequalities in UK, Labour warns]( Follow us [Twitter]( [Facebook]( Please do not reply directly to this email You are currently registered to receive The Independent's News email. Add us to your safe list of senders. If you do not want to receive The Independent News email and Breaking News alerts, please [unsubscribe](list_name=IND_Headlines_Masterlist_CDP). If you no longer wish to receive any newsletters or promotional emails from The Independent, you can unsubscribe [here](. This e-mail was sent by Independent Digital News and Media Ltd, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5HF. Registered in England and Wales with company number 07320345. Read our [privacy notice]( and [cookie policy](.