Using Technology to Support Administrations in Controlling the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: Past Problems and Future Perspectives

In light of the restrictive measures adopted in Italy, as in many other countries, to contain the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic, the authors analyse how controls on private activities can be supported by technological tools; and how technological tools can effectively support the activities of public administrations. In this perspective, the authors’ attention focuses on some technological solutions used to help dealing with the SARS-CoV-2 emergency including, in particular, the Immuni app created in 2020 by the Italian government. The author’s conclusion is that, in order to make such technological solutions truly effective, they must be widely spread among the population. Having regard to the European rules on privacy and in application of the principle of proportionality, the authors therefore investigate whether, and under what conditions, national authorities can impose the download of an app to citizens. The last paragraphs account also for the most recent developments, which are related to the adoption of the EU Regulation of July 2021 on a framework for the issuance, verification and acceptance of interoperable EU Digital COVID Certificates.