French supporters traveling to Qatar are asked to leave their smartphones at home and bring an empty phone or an old scratch device instead. A few days before the opening of the Football World Cup, we present the recommendation of the National Commission for Computations and Liberties (CNIL), according to the information reported by the American Politico media on November 10. France’s independent administrative body warns of cyber security risks for supporters traveling to the country.
We are talking about two apps that foreign supporters must download on their phones when traveling to the country. This is the official app of the World Cup, named after Haya and second for the Covid outbreak tracker Ehteraaz.
Both of these apps are being labeled as spyware by several experts, Politico noted. They may indeed give the country’s authorities access to certain personal data on the devices. The CNIL reminds on its website that in Qatar there is “ general legislation on personal data protectionbut that it is not equivalent by the European Union.
Keep your smartphone on you, use a strong password…
Therefore, the CNIL advises French travelers to install the apps immediately before departure and to delete them upon returning to France. It is recommended to use a blank or reset phone to prevent the apps in question from accessing the smartphone owner’s photo files, videos and messages. It also encourages userslimit online connectivity to services that require authentication to a strict minimum“, the administrative body notes, while remembering that it is also important to keep your smartphone on you, choose a strong password and “limit system permissions to those strictly necessary“.
In addition, the CNIL published on November 14 a set of good practices to follow when traveling outside the European Union and securing electronic devices. In it, he also reminds us to be vigilant about photos taken in a country outside the Union. Photographing a person without their consent or in public buildings may be prohibited“.
Although homosexuality is illegal in a country like Qatar, the CNIL adds that a traveler, whether his phone is online or offline, should not expose himself to it.”their sexual orientation” as well as his “political and religious opinions“. In general, according to the French ambassador to Qatar, 10 thousand French sympathizers are expected in the country, who will follow the course of the French national team.
Source: Le Figaro
I am Ben Stock, a passionate and experienced digital journalist working in the news industry. At the Buna Times, I write articles covering technology developments and related topics. I strive to provide reliable information that my readers can trust. My research skills are top-notch, as well as my ability to craft engaging stories on timely topics with clarity and accuracy.