The apps mentioned above stormed into to our lives with the development of BLE (Bluetooth low energy) in 2009. Ever since the technology was integrated into mobile phones and independent gadgets, there have been numerous apps in the domain of dating, item tracing and games. The technology is not new, however, the concerns of the applications are recently increasing. In modern operating systems, BLE is an optional feature that needs users’ consent to actively work. In theory, users who do not enable the Bluetooth feature cannot be traced or found through contact tracing apps. Bluetooth feature is not the main tool to trace people. GPS is technically better option if some applications want to trance certain people and still GPS is not seen as a potentially immoral or unethical technology. In my opinion, people are scared of BLE and contact tracing apps because it is a relatively new phenomenon and like every new technology, it has come with the concerns and fears. However, the feeling of someone following and tracing our every step is uncomfortable and potentially dangerous. If these applications are forced to use by the governments or they are activated by the operating systems without users’ consent, it becomes an ethical problem and harsh invasion of privacy. This ethical dilemma is not limited to contact tracing apps, but also all social media apps and operating systems. Some users of digital tools are willing to be traced and followed by people and other users. This was the whole idea of social media. To be found and connected. In addition to social media platforms which allow people to be connected and found, some dating apps serve the same purpose of being connected with the people in close proximity. This, as well, works by user consent by design and they exist with leverage of supply and demand pair. I would like to look at the topic from the users’ perspective. If one is using a product ( e.g. a digital tool), he/she should understand how the product actually works and the purpose of it. For example, Instagram is a photo and video sharing social networking service and you use this product if you want to do networking through sharing photos or videos. If the core idea of this product creates ethical or security concerns, simply do not use it. This mechanism creates a natural selection in the digital evolution and leads to a better, safer and more ethical product development.
