Apple and Google join forces in the fight against COVID-19



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Apple and Google join forces in the fight against COVID-19

Singapore is among the countries that use mobile apps to track people who have come close to becoming infected with the new coronavirus – AFP / Archives

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U.S. tech giants Apple and Google announced a partnership to allow digital tracking of users close to people infected with the coronavirus to limit the spread of COVID-19.

“Google and Apple announce a joint effort that will allow the use of Bluetooth technology to help governments and health agencies reduce the spread of the virus, considering the privacy and security of the user,” they announced on Friday (10).

Smartphones with Apple IOS systems or Google Android can exchange information via Bluetooth to track human contacts (“contact tracking”) and alert other users.

Starting in May, it will be possible to share content from official applications of public health authorities, available for download in the online stores of the two groups.

Apple and Google also plan to develop “a broader contact tracking platform than […] it will allow more people to participate if they want to. “

The operating systems of the two competing groups are the most widely used in smartphones worldwide.

“Given the urgency, the goal is to implement this solution in two stages, while maintaining effective protection measures to ensure user privacy,” they promised.

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