PRIVACY IN A PANDEMIC: UNDERSTANDING SINGAPORE'S COVID-19 RESPONSE THROUGH SMART NATION

Abstract

This thesis explores how privacy is mobilised in pandemic, through the lens of Smart Nation. First, it shows how Smart Nation has laid the foundations for the ready deployment of smart technologies in the fight against COVID-19. It examines how the Smart Nation initiative forms the ideological and infrastructural basis for a digital-centric pandemic response. Additionally, Smart Nation has also cultivated smart mentalities and have built up strong trust in government, which contributes to the success of the pandemic measures. Additionally, this thesis looks at how different conceptions of privacy has been attached to the notion of patriotism, in order to drive uptake of TraceTogether. In the long run, this will also influence citizens’ receptiveness towards Smart Nation initiatives.