FIFA World Cup: Apps Raise Privacy Questions

The applications of the World Cup raise a lot of concerns. The privacy of user data has been violated.

The FIFA World Cup kicks off in a week, fans are starting to prepare for the event as they should, but security experts say that the security of the personal data of participants and visitors is at risk.

World Cup Apps Raise Many Concerns

Two apps are required to participate in the celebration: Ehteraz, a Covid-19 tracking system, and Hayya, an app used to give fans access to stadiums, the program and free public transport.

Several digital security agencies alerted users to data privacy issues in the two apps last month after reviewing app permissions. Used in the country prior to the competition, Ehteraz asks users to access photos and videos, make unwanted calls, and read or modify device data. Haya’s permissions include full access to the network and personal data. Both track the location of users.

Due to wider tracking concerns in Qatar, privacy experts have gone so far as to suggest that World Cup attendees use disposable phones rather than allowing apps to access your personal device.

User data privacy breached

The first matches will start on November 20, and the competition is highly controversial. The Boycott Qatar movement continues to grow, calling on fans around the world to boycott matches, citing human rights violations in particular. Activists also cite the country’s homophobic laws, as well as the unsafe treatment of immigrant workers who built the infrastructure. A poll by Amnesty International showed a general consensus that FIFA should take a stand on Qatar’s actions and offer financial compensation to the World Cup workers who were placed in these highly dangerous working conditions.

This year’s competition is the first ever to be held in the Middle East and the first to take place in the winter, but the political, social and technological fears surrounding this World Cup may matter more than the matches themselves.

WHAT TO DO:
✅Check your passport (must be at least 6 months old)
✅Download the required app Hayya

✅Sign up for STEP (https://t.co/HRh4GOwf9m)
✅Save emergency numbers
✅Read about legal and cultural differences. Visitors are subject to local laws.
✅ Visit https://t.co/fakmIrmZLY pic.twitter.com/hxDFiPq7Ap

— Travel — Department of State (@TravelGov) October 31, 2022