Coronavirus, the time of the giants: Apple and Google together, trackable phones

Apple and Google take the field against Coronavirus. Together. The sensational news comes directly from the Cupertino company site. The two technology multinationals have decided to join forces to try to fight the coronavirus and implement within their devices the possibility of exchanging information and becoming (and making ourselves) traceable. According to what is read on the site of the famous apple, the iphone and the smartphone Android will integrate a digital tracking system that, by installing an application, will allow the phones to communicate with each other and, in the event of a positive result in Covid-19, will share this information immediately with the health authorities and with all those with whom they had made contact. All obviously in full respect of privacy, through the consent of the user and without using the data for other purposes.

Apple’s press release: together with Google against Coronavirus

“Across the world, governments and health authorities are working together to find solutions to the COVID-19 pandemic, to protect people and make society work. Software developers are helping to create technical tools to help fight the virus and save lives. In this spirit of collaboration, Google and Apple announce a joint effort to enable the use of Bluetooth technology to help governments and health agencies reduce the spread of the virus, with user privacy and security at the heart of the design. Since COVID-19 can be transmitted close to affected people, tracking contacts have been identified by public health officials as a valuable tool to help curb its spread. Numerous public health authorities, universities, and NGOs around the world have done important work to develop this tracking technology. To help this cause, Apple and Google will launch a comprehensive solution that includes application programming interfaces (APIs) and operating system level technology. Given the urgent need, the plan is to implement this two-step solution while maintaining strong protections for user privacy. ”

IPhone-Android data exchange in May, app and Bluetooth

“First, both companies will launch the application in May that allows interoperability between devices. android and iOS using applications from public health authorities. These official applications will be available for users to download through their respective application stores. Second, in the coming months, Apple and Google will work to enable a broader contact tracking platform. Bluetooth, creating this functionality on the platforms below. This is a more robust solution and would allow more people to participate, if they choose to join, as well as allowing interaction with a broader ecosystem of government applications and health authorities. Privacy, transparency and consent are of utmost importance in this effort and we hope to build this functionality in consultation with stakeholders. We will openly publish information about our work so that others can analyze it. Everyone at Apple and Google believes there has never been a more important time than working together to solve one of the world’s most pressing problems. Through close cooperation and collaboration with developers, governments, and public health authorities, we hope to harness the power of technology to help countries around the world curb the spread of COVID-19 and to accelerate the return of daily life. ”