Technology giants Google and Apple announced on Friday they are teaming up to develop a system for tracking coronavirus spread.
The Silicon Valley’s companies will launch a Bluetooth-based contact tracing solution that will alert smartphone users if they come in close contact to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
Apple and Google: Helping governments and health systems with a COVID-19 tracking app
The technological solution, which includes “application programming interfaces (APIs) and operating system-level technology to assist in enabling contact tracing”, will be rolled out in two phases, according to a joint statement from the companies.
In the first stage, in May, both Google and Apple will release the APIs, software designed to work with apps that will be released by public health authorities.
The apps will be operative on devices using Android and iOS, and will be available to download from both Google Play, and App Store.
In the second one, both companies will be working together in the coming months to develop a broader Bluetooth-based contact tracing functionality that will be added directly into the operating systems of their phones.
The COVID-19 contact-tracing solution by Google and Apple will preserve users’ privacy
The new tool is aimed to keep track of the coronavirus pandemic, but one of the biggest concerns for many is how users’ sensitive information will be used by governments, health agencies, and the companies themselves.
Users’ privacy and personal data will not be compromised, according to both tech companies.
On one hand, the system is completely voluntary. Before using the tool, users must provide explicit consent to share their location data.
On the other hand, the identity of people who test positive for COVID-19 remains anonymous to other users.
When using the app, if you have recently been in personal contact with someone diagnosed with coronavirus, you will receive a notification saying: “ALERT: You have recently been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.”
After that, you will be given safety information by the corresponding health authority, and tips about what to do next.
To see how the app will work, have a look at the infographic below provided by Apple and Google.
Countries like China, South Korea or Singapore already have used contact-tracing apps to help slow down the spread of COVID-19.
European countries like Italy, Spain, Norway or Belgium currently use location data to track the disease. Others like the UK or Greece are set to follow.
