Across the world, governments and health authorities are working together to get rid of COVID-19 pandemic. Everyone is working hard to protect people. The two tech giant’s Apple and Google come together to fight against this COVID-19.
Bluetooth based tracking system:
Earlier this month, Google and Apple announced that they will be developing a system for tracking the spread of the new coronavirus. This tracking system allows users to share data through BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) transmissions. Now, after floating the proposal both the companies have revised their plans and also made some clarifications about their proposal.
This Bluetooth based tracking system will inform the users if they had come in touch of someone who has diagnosed with COVID-19 . This technology is in developing mode from last month. During initial announcements both companies had promised to build this technology by considering the privacy and security of the users.
Many questions were asked for both the companies regarding this technology over last few weeks. Now both the companies have made some changes based on the users opinion. Also, both companies are concerned with the fake news that are spreading regarding this project. So, to stop further the spread of fake news they have released “frequently asked Questions” page that answers the basic questions about the initiative.
Privacy Concerns:
Many are asking questions about the privacy concerns. Both the companies have confirmed that they will disable this service if it goes against the main intention of this initiative. Also, Apple and Google have promised to shut down this system when the COVID-19 crisis ends.
This system works with daily tracing keys (keys will be generated when one person gets in touch with the other person). Both the companies have announced to provide encryption specifications for these keys. This service will be in opt-in and won’t be turned on by default. Also, both the companies have promised to roll-out programing tools, which helps health authorities to develop their apps.