Bolsonaro Orders Halt to Federal Use of Cell Phone Data to Monitor Social Isolation

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Following President Jair Bolsonaro’s intervention, the use of cell phone data to monitor social isolation has been suspended.

According to the Minister of Science and Technology, Marcos Pontes, Bolsonaro called for “prudence” regarding the initiative and that the tool be used only after further consideration by the federal government.

“So I determined that the video and other posts be removed from social media until the end of further consideration and final approval by the government. Currently, the tool is still under analysis by the federal government regarding its applicability, privacy guarantee and operation mode”, declared Pontes.

Still according to the Minister, the government has not yet made use of this tool and it will only be used provided that the studies ensure the efficiency and protection of Brazilians’ privacy.

However, he stressed that states have autonomy and may enter into direct agreements with operators. “The Federal Government has no control or involvement in such agreements,” he said.

The measure has already been employed by Governor João Doria in the state of São Paulo to monitor crowds of people during the social isolation period.