The Canberra Liberals have raised privacy concerns about the MyWay+ app, questioning its need for extensive permissions that allow access to users’ personal data and files. However, the ACT Government has moved to ease these concerns, emphasising that any data sharing is necessary for app functionality and will be managed securely.
“There is no reason for the MyWay+ app to access a user’s photos or documents, and certainly no reason to share these files with third parties,” said Shadow Minister for Government Services Ed Cocks MLA. “The Government must immediately turn off these permissions and delete any personal data it may have collected.”
During question time in the ACT Legislative Assembly, Tuesday 3 December, Mr Cocks questioned Transport Minister Chris Steel over the app’s extensive permissions.
“The Google Play Store listing for MyWay+ notes that the app may access a user’s photos, videos, files, documents and app activity, and share this data with third parties. It has full network access and can even change settings on a user’s phone, such as audio. Why does an ACT government app require each of these intrusive features to enable people to ride the bus?” Mr Cocks said.
In response, Minister Steel defended the app’s functionality, explaining the necessity of its features to ensure seamless integration and secure user experience.
“Some data sharing will be required through secure APIs with the app, particularly connecting through to the portal and then enabling the QR code functionality to link with the user’s account, and, of course, to provide those payment options, including the debit and credit cards using features like Apple Pay, which then connect to the user’s account.”
An ACT Government spokeperson also rebuffed any claim that the app shares user photos or documents with third parties.
“The MyWay+ app does not allow access to user photos or documents and does not share these files with third parties. The privacy statement on the Google PlayStore is the default statement applied to new applications being downloaded by users.”
Minister Steel said that while data sharing is necessary for the app’s functions, he assured that it will be done in a secure manner.
“So, there will be a need to have some data shared as part of this, but in a way that is secure, and we’re continuing to work with NEC to make sure that those settings are appropriate for the functionality of the system,” he said.
“Canberrans have the option if they would like to simply just use an ordinary MyWay+ Travel Card, which they can purchase from one of the retailers and use that without needing to use the app if they wish. Or, of course, they can use a debit and credit card without necessarily linking them with the account or using the app.”
MyWay+ launched last Wednesday 27 November, and during today’s Assembly, Minister Steel conceded that the rollout has fallen short of expectations.
“I want to acknowledge that the rollout of MyWay+ has not been as smooth as Canberrans would have liked and that this process may have caused some people an inconvenience,” he said.
The Government has faced a barrage of criticism in the last week, but Minister Steel said the situation is improving and they are constantly working on any issues.
ACT Greens leader Shane Rattenbury has taken to social media to criticise the MyWay+ app, demanding an explanation from the Government as to why the launch proceeded despite apparent issues.
“One week on and MyWay+ continues to fail Canberrans… Really, this system was cooked before it even entered the oven,” Mr Rattenbury said in a Facebook post.
“From buses lacking the new system entirely, to passengers being overcharged, and many unable to even tap on, it’s pretty clear MyWay+ was nowhere close to being ready for rollout.
“The sheer scale of these issues speaks to a lack of proper planning, oversight, and accountability.
“Even after community feedback that foreshadowed these issues, Labor chose to ignore the concerns and launched MyWay+ anyway.
“The critical question that the government must address is this: why was this system launched so early when it was clearly unprepared for public use?
“It’s time for those in charge to explain how such a poorly executed rollout was allowed to happen, and what steps will be taken to ensure the public isn’t left not catching public transport because of this failure.”
