> You can chose to get the virus
That wasn't your original argument and this does nothing to stop individual people getting the virus.
And the source code is worth nothing. The legal structure is already there to have the app changed without anyone being notified.
If they released an entire buildable set of source that I could use to build and install the app myself, maybe.
But that's about the only time I'd use this.
Location tracking is indeed a dangerous piece of information. But in the short time that the gov't had to face the issue, the best option is to do this tracking to re-enable the economy. Until proven otherwise, it would be wise to not assume there's already malware. I'm not saying there isn't, but given the probabilities, it's unlikely, while the health and economic benefits are high.
And the source code is going to be released. It's easy (for a professional software engineer) to track down changes to the original code if they released a bad/altered version of the source that doesn't match the released version. And there'd be a track record, and it will be plainly obvious.
I would be much more scared of the unknown apps from dodgy shops that offer their apps for free in exchange for all your contacts, file and camera access.
- Because the issuer has vastly more ability to use the app and the data it might collect in ways that impact you.
- Because it's the first app of this kind and scale being issued by the government in Australia.
- Because it's being pushed onto as much of an entire population as possible with great urgency, limiting the time and opportunity for proper precautions to be taken.
- Because the issuer has an objectively _terrible_ track record on technology and privacy related matters.
- Because the ratchet effect means that once granted, privileges are highly unlikely to be ever rolled back.
> I would be much more scared of the unknown apps from dodgy shops
You shouldn't be. No matter how bad an adware mobile game is, the publisher can't put you in jail.