Global InformationLeaveHomeSafe information
| Initial release | 16 November 2020 |
|---|---|
| Operating system | Android, iOS, HarmonyOS |
| Available in | English, Chinese Traditional, Chinese Simplified |
| Type | Digital contact tracing COVID-19 apps Mobile app Mass surveillance |
| Website | www |
LeaveHomeSafe (Chinese: 安心出行) is a digital contact tracing app launched by the Hong Kong Government on 16 November 2020 to conduct contact tracing in Hong Kong. It can be used as a companion of the Hong Kong Health Code system for registered users.[1][2][3]
The application can be downloaded for free, allowing users to record their whereabouts. Although it does not require GPS positioning, the user must authorize LeaveHomeSafe to use their mobile's communication network, camera lens and notification function and prevent it from going to sleep. It also captures other apps running on the phone, and the personal information collection statement of LeaveHomeSafe stated that the visit records submitted by the app to the Department of Health will be retained for seven years for confirmed COVID-19 cases only. The visit record, which by itself in isolation is not personal data, will be kept in users’ mobile phones for 31 days and will then be erased automatically.[4][5]
Privacy became the most controversial issue surrounding the app, prompting the use of fake LeaveHomeSafe apps which were later banned by the Government (with some were arrested for using them).[citation needed]
On May 3, 2022, FactWire reverse-engineered the Android version of "LeaveHomeSafe" and discovered that the program has a built-in face recognition module with features including the recognition of facial features and location, which led to another controversy about the privacy of the app.[6]
On January 8, 2023, the Hong Kong Government announced that the "LeaveHomeSafe" system would cease operation and no longer be updated. Users are still able to use other features such as the PCR Testing Registration Code.[7]
- ^ "Hong Kong to Use China-Style Health Code With LeaveHomeSafe to Reopen". Bloomberg.com. Bloomberg. 26 November 2021. Retrieved 2 May 2022.
- ^ "LeaveHomeSafe app to allow users to upload their whereabouts to Hong Kong health code". The Standard.
- ^ "Real names a must for Hong Kong's China-style health code". The Standard.
- ^ "LeaveHomeSafe". Government of Hong Kong.
- ^ "安心出行不安心？ 揭開應用程式權限注意位". WePro18. 19 February 2021. Retrieved 24 March 2021.
- ^ "LeaveHomeSafe app has built-in facial detection module, government admits". Factwire News Agency 傳真社. 3 May 2022.
- ^ ""LeaveHomeSafe" system ceased operation". www.info.gov.hk. Retrieved 8 January 2023.