LeaveHomeSafe launches new version to differentiate from copycat

A new version of the LeaveHomeSafe app has been launched to facilitate restaurants' checking of diners' vaccination records, as well as to set it apart from a fake app. 

The new version has been launched on Apple's App Store. 

The government announced earlier this month that the "vaccine bubble" will be extended to all restaurants and regulated premises such as bars, cinemas, and gyms starting February 24, meaning only vaccinated citizens can enter those locations. 

Francis Fong Po-kiu, honorary president of the Hong Kong Information Technology Federation, said the update offers a more convenient way for premises and restaurants to differentiate the vaccination status of Hongkongers. 

"After users update the app to version 3.0.2, a blue QR code containing their vaccination record or medical exemption certificate will pop up once they scan the venues' QR code. For citizens who have neither, a red code will appear," Fong said. 

A timer is included on the interface, which will start ticking as soon as users scan the venues' QR code. 

"It is to prevent people from using phone screencaps to get into the restaurants or premises," he noted. 

The timer will also set the LeaveHomeSafe app apart from the fake "Back Home Safe" version. 

Fong said not all residents can immediately update the app, and certain phones owned by citizens may experience a delay in updates. 

Meanwhile, the latest version of LeaveHomeSafe comes with this description: "Enable/Disable connection to the Hong Kong Health Code System (default on)." 

It means the app may automatically allow connection to the health code unless users turn off the function manually. 

Frontline Tech Workers Concern Group said the change seems contradictory to the government's earlier promise that LeaveHomeSafe info won't be uploaded to the health code system unless users consent.