• This article analyses data-driven measures used in South America to mitigate the impact of COVID-19. Based on a broad review of relevant programmes in the region three selected cases from Argentina (Cuidar App), Brazil (use of personal data by IBGE), and Chile (CoronApp) are evaluated against best regional and international practices.• Our findings suggest that programmes in South America mirror approaches in other global regions and as such face many similar challenges. There is no clearly defined purpose, a lack of transparency, and the need for readjustment soon after initial development.• While the region is heavily affected by COVID-19, the three case-studies analysed demonstrate that policy makers in the region failed to establish trust in the measures. This can be deducted from low penetration rates of the programmes in Argentina and Chile.• Finally, there are serious concerns regarding the long-term impact of these programmes upon human rights (especially privacy) and human dignity.
