What fundamental debate did researchers explore concerning data storage before the pandemic?

Answer

Centralized models versus decentralized models

Prior to the widespread deployment during the pandemic, foundational research in digital contact tracing systems actively compared centralized models against decentralized models. A centralized model mandates that interaction logs are uploaded to a central server managed by an authority. Conversely, a decentralized model ensures that interaction logs remain primarily stored on the individual user's device. This debate was critical as it determined the trade-offs involving data storage location, the resulting privacy implications for users, and the overall computational requirements needed to run the tracing system effectively.

What fundamental debate did researchers explore concerning data storage before the pandemic?
inventiontechnologyappcontact tracingdigital health