O2 denies claims Government asked it to hand over anonymous mobile phone location data ‘to check whether people are following coronavirus social distances guidelines’
- Government are keen to ensure people keep their distance in social situations
- Twitter users incensed by claims, with one saying ‘I’ll leave O2 if this happens’
- But others say it is not be a breach of privacy if the data remains anonymous
- O2 says claims are not representative of how networks are being asked to help
- Coronavirus symptoms: what are they and should you see a doctor?
Mobile phone network O2 today denied claims the Government had asked it to hand over user location data to ensure Britons are following social distancing guidelines.
Sky News had initially claimed that the anonymous data will help ensure people obey the guidance amid the coronavirus outbreak, before deleting their report.
Sources at O2 told MailOnline the claims were untrue and not representative of how all phone networks are being asked to help the Government. A later Sky News article claimed the Government was working with O2 to analyse location data.
Sources at O2 told MailOnline the claims over handing over user location data were untrue
Some Twitter users were angered by the initial report, with one saying ‘I will leave O2 if this happens’ and another asking: ‘Isn’t that a breach of privacy and human rights?’
However others claimed it would not be a breach of privacy if the data remained anonymous, and instead be a ‘useful tracker of where potential virus carriers are’.
Sources within O2 told MailOnline today that nothing is happening yet, but there are discussions at an early stage being held with all mobile phone operators.
The sources added that anything done would never relate to individual’s data, and would operate under existing GDPR and privacy legislation.
An O2 spokesman told MailOnline today: ‘We are fully engaged in helping in the fight against COVID-19.
‘Besides zero rating access to NHS and other support websites, we were asked along with other mobile operators to support those who are working tirelessly to map and control the spread of coronavirus in the UK.
‘Using our mobile technology, we have the potential to build models that help to predict broadly how the virus might move. This would in no way be able to identify or map individuals, and operates within strict privacy guidelines.’
It comes as it was revealed the UK’s major mobile operators EE, O2, Three and Vodafone to allow customers to access NHS advice about the virus for free.
The Department of Health and Social Care said the networks have all agreed to let customers go to www.nhs.uk and 111.nhs.uk without any data costs.
The initiative has been designed to ensure that everyone can get verified and up-to-date NHS information and advice on the coronavirus outbreak.
Earlier this week, a mass switch to home working appeared to have left Britain’s broadband and mobile phone networks creaking.
Both O2 and Three mobile services admitted to problems on Tuesday with their voice call systems as millions tried to work from home for the first time.
At the same time users of the two other major networks – EE and Vodafone – reported issues, according to the network status monitoring website Down Detector.
The same company identified problems with the mobile service and internet cable services provided by Virgin Media and BT before lunchtime.
The companies said it was a short term technical issue, rather than due to extra demand. But any network problems will make working from home more difficult.
A study by telecoms regulator Ofcom found that just 66 per cent cent of the UK’s land area is covered by good 4G reception from all four networks.
At the same time, much of Britain relies on internet services sent down ancient copper wires, which struggle to cope with traffic when there is high demand.