The government of Israel has launched a so-called “freedom bracelet” as an alternative to the mandatory two-week quarantine for people entering the country from other countries. It is ironic for a tracking device meant to ensure you remain at home to be promoted as something providing freedom.
The “freedom bracelet,” which resembles a smartwatch is being manufactured by SuperCom, a tech company that provides tracking devices to monitor prisoners, such as ankle bracelets.
“We call it a ‘freedom bracelet’ because we are not locking anybody up, but rather giving them the opportunity to go home,” said SuperCom’s CEO Ordan Trablesi. “Nobody is forced to do it, but for those who are interested, it gives them another option: more flexibility.”
However, the “freedom bracelet” does not provide any freedom; it is a tracking device allowing the government to track you in case you leave your home.
So, for people entering Israel from abroad, there are two options: a two-week quarantine at a hotel monitored by the military, or wear a smartwatch that allows the government to know your location in real-time.
This news comes around the same time an Israeli court ruled against the Shin Bet, the country’s domestic espionage agency, involvement in the coronavirus contact-tracing system. The court said the Shin Bet’s involvement is “draconian” and threatens the country’s democracy.
Meanwhile, Israel is issuing a “green pass” (a form of vaccine passport) to people who have received the coronavirus jab, allowing them more freedoms. Those without the so-called “green pass” must observe coronavirus restrictions.
