Check in TAS app to become mandatory for all businesses
David Killick | Mercury Newspaper | March 19, 2021
THE use of the government’s Check in TAS app will be mandatory for business premises in Tasmania from May 1.
The app will replace a mix of third-party apps, paper sign-in forms and will help address privacy concerns around the retention and use of personal data by businesses.
Small Business, Hospitality and Events Minister Sarah Courtney said the edict would apply to hospitality businesses, as well as places of worship, cinemas, galleries, tourist premises, concert venues, amusement parks, auction houses, hairdressers, beauty treatment premises, spas, swimming pools and other businesses.
“The Director of Public Health has determined that, from 1 May 2021, the free Check in TAS app will be the only system used for collecting contact tracing information in Tasmania.
“This means that the specific businesses, community groups and event operators currently required to collect contact tracing information under the existing Public Health direction – who haven’t already registered for Check in TAS – need to register and then ensure their patrons can easily use the Check in TAS QR code at their premises, ahead of the 1 May deadline for compliance.
Ms Courtney urged Tasmanians to download the app to their phones and said there would be an advertising and education campaign to support the mandatory rollout.
“Tasmanians have done an amazing job of keeping on top of COVID-19, and it’s critical that we do not become complacent, despite the rollout of vaccines,” she said.
Independent MLC Meg Webb, who raised concerns after her check-in details were used for marketing by a local venue, welcomed the move.
“I’m pleased to see the standardised use of the Check in Tas app implemented to provide Tasmanians with confidence that the privacy of their personal information will be protected,” she said.
“The experience which prompted me to raise concerns in October last year about privacy and misuse of personal information by venues occurred again in January and as a result I made a complaint to the Director of Public Health.
“Clearly, the legal responsibilities for venues were still not well enough understood, which left both venues and patrons exposed.
“Given that the collection of personal information is now the new normal, it is important that we have a reliable, consistent and legal system in place.”
See more or Meg’s recent media about personal information protection
