Prevention of the Stigmatization of Individuals in Response to Digital Tracking (Concidering Covid-19 Issue)

Abstract

The aim of the research is to identify possible manifestations of the stigmatization of individuals stemming from the use of digital applications while conducting anti-epidemic measures in Ukraine and developing measures to prevent stigmatization caused by the introduction of such applications. Materials and methods: The study is grounded on dialectical, analytic, synthetic, comparative, statistic, sociological and criminological research methods. More than 120 citizens were interviewed to find out their attitude to Act at Home mobile application. The calculations were performed with the use of Excel spreadsheets of Microsoft Office 2016. The theoretical basis of the article is the specialized literature on medicine, law and computer science. Results: The paper substantiates the connection of the mechanism for the prevention of stigmatization of people who use mobile applications to track their contacts in the conditions of COVID-19 with the positive and negative obligations of member states of the Council of Europe on insuring of non-interference in private and family life. A system of general and special means of prevention of this antisocial phenomenon has been developed. The authors also identify the requirements for mobile applications that could reduce the risk of stigma. Conclusion: The conclusions suggest the ways of further prevention of stigmatization of people who use mobile applications to track their contacts. The paper outlines the content of the positive and negative obligations of the member states of the Council of Europe to ensure non-interference in the private and family life of citizens who are under observation or self-isolation due to COVID-19 pandemic.