Apple, Google launch virus tracing system

Apple and Google have launched a new system for tracing the spread of the novel coronavirus by allowing users to share data via Bluetooth with government and health agencies.

The joint project announced Friday by two of Silicon Valley’s largest companies would create a voluntary contact-tracing network using Bluetooth Low Energy transmissions.

According to the companies, the data about individuals one has interacted with would be kept on that person’s phone and only used for contact tracing by public health officials.

Coronavirus notifications: The system would notify individuals if they have come into contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19.

Apple and Google plan to roll out a pair of application programming interfaces (APIs) in mid-May for health officials to use the tracing system in their apps.

Experts say that contact tracing has emerged as one of the most promising methods for containing the impact of COVID-19.

But there could be some problems: Privacy advocates have raised concerns about the tracing practice, saying such systems would allow for invasive digital surveillance.