In a bid to assist governments and health authorities reduce the spread of COVID-19, Google and Apple are jointly developing a COVID-19 contact tracing technology that harnesses Bluetooth.
“Since COVID-19 can be transmitted through close proximity to affected individuals, public health officials have identified contact tracing as a valuable tool to help contain its spread,” said Apple. As such, operating system-level technology and application programming interfaces (APIs) that trace human contact are currently in the works and set to be launched.
Given the time-sensitive situation, the two tech giants say that their solution will be implemented in two steps for immediate effect.
The first step will take place in May when APIs that enable interoperability between Android and iOS devices that use apps from public health authorities are made available for download.
Following is the enabling of a broader Bluetooth-based contact tracing platform in the coming months. According to Apple, this is accomplished by building the functionality into the underlying platforms.
“This is a more robust solution than an API and would allow more individuals to participate, if they choose to opt in, as well as enable interaction with a broader ecosystem of apps and government health authorities,” explained Apple. “Privacy, transparency, and consent are of utmost importance in this effort, and we look forward to building this functionality in consultation with interested stakeholders. We will openly publish information about our work for others to analyze.”
“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,” added Apple.
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