Apple And Google Are Partnering Up To Release New COVID-19 Contact Tracing Technology

Apple and Google have announced that they will be joining forces in the hopes of releasing new COVID-19 contact tracing technology. Because the virus is spread through close proximity to infected individuals, health officials have suggested that contact tracing will be an effective way of containing the virus.

The new technology would include software designed to record when people come into contact with each other so that people who have been in close proximity to someone who later tests positive for COVID-19 can be notified and potentially tested for the virus. This would let infected people who aren’t showing any symptoms know that they should go into quarantine to prevent the spread of the virus. 

The companies have claimed that user privacy would be protected, as the software would allow phones to generate and broadcast unique cryptographic codes via Bluetooth. These codes would not include any personal or location data that could link them to particular individuals, allowing users to remain anonymous.

“All of us at Apple and Google believe there has never been a more important moment to work together to solve one of the world’s most pressing problems. Through close cooperation and collaboration with developers, governments and public health providers, we hope to harness the power of technology to help countries around the world slow the spread of COVID-19 and accelerate the return of everyday life,” Apple and Google said in a joint statement.

If all goes to plan, the new technology will be released in the coming months. 

Contact tracing can help slow the spread of COVID-19 and can be done without compromising user privacy. We’re working with @sundarpichai & @Google to help health officials harness Bluetooth technology in a way that also respects transparency & consent. https://t.co/94XlbmaGZV

— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) April 10, 2020

Obviously, with the release of such technology, privacy advocates will become alarmed. Apple and Google may need to follow Vivint's lead. Vivint proactively addressed privacy concerns with their camera's built in "privacy mode" (Details on Vivint pricing here).

Next up, Google Maps Highlights Restaurant Deliveries