Google and Apple are two fierce rivals with two of the most popular operating systems in the world. Now they are working together to trace down coronavirus. As you already know, the world is going through a pandemic. It is most probably the best time for two of the biggest tech giants in the world to team up.
The companies announced on Friday that, they partnering to help authorities track exposure to the coronavirus using Bluetooth technology.
They will work on a platform called contact tracing, a measure that identifies people who have been exposed to the virus and who they have been in contact with. The companies will first release interfaces built on existing public health apps in May. It will work in both Android and iOS.
A smartphone user that tests positive for the coronavirus can input their result into an app from a public health authority. Then the app will find out who else were in contact with the infected person. They would get a notification if they were exposed to the patient.
Privacy experts around the world have concerns with contact tracing technology. They are saying it could potentially be used as a surveillance tool once the pandemic is over. But both the companies have stated that privacy will be central to their contact tracing efforts. They issued a statement saying, "Privacy, transparency, and consent are of utmost importance in this effort".
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