SALT LAKE CITY – On May 14, 2020, the Public Health and Economic Emergency Commission unanimously recommended the Legislature take action during a special session to protect personal data that has been used by the state to help address the COVID-19 health crisis.
Utah’s voluntary Healthy Together app uses data to assist public health officials trace COVID-19, which has helped slow the spread and protect public health. As stated by the Governor’s office, the opt-in app complies with state requirements for data security and encryption. Location data is to be automatically deleted every 30 days, and symptom data is to be automatically de-identified after 30 days. The Commission is urging legislation regarding data use and privacy protections already in place be incorporated in state statute.
The Commission recommended the Legislature codify the permissible uses of digital technologies by the state and the requirement to delete the data when it is no longer needed to address COVID-19 concerns. Sen. Dan Hemmert and Rep. Mike Schultz are expected to sponsor legislation addressing this matter.
“Protecting Utahns data during COVID-19 is imperative,” said Sen. Dan Hemmert, co-chair of the Commission. “As the state uses information from digital technology tools to help safeguard Utahns from the virus, privacy laws will help ensure and secure individuals’ privacy regarding personal data. Legislation will assist in preventing arbitrary interference ”
“The data has been helpful in understanding how to help keep Utahns healthy and safe,” said Jefferson Burton, co-chair of the Commission. “The Commission and state are working to ensure personal data is protected.”
The Commission’s goal is to protect public health and the economy during the COVID-19 health crisis by making sound, data-driven recommendations in consultation with economic advisors, health experts and elected officials.
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Public Health and Economic Emergency Commission Members
Jefferson Burton, Department of Health, co-chair
Sen. Dan Hemmert, co-chair
President Stuart Adams
Rep. Mike Schultz
Brandy Grace, Utah Association of Counties
Steve Starks, Larry H. Miller Corporation
Dr. Michael Good, University of Utah Health
Brian Dunn, Steward Healthcare
Derek Miller, Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce
Mark Bouchard, Community Leader