CUPERTINO and MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — As governments and health authorities around the world try to fight against the spread of the novel coronavirus, Apple and Google last week announced a joint effort to enable the use of Bluetooth technology for contact tracing, which public health officials have identified as a valuable tool to help contain Covid-19’s spread.
Development work for opt-in contact tracing technology is already being done by a number of public health authorities, universities and non-governmental organizations around the world, according to Apple’s news release. To further this effort, Apple and Google are working together to launch a solution that includes application programming interfaces (APIs) and operating system-level technology to assist in enabling contact tracing. The companies’ plan is to implement this solution in two steps while maintaining strong protections around user privacy, the release says.
First, in May, both companies will release APIs that enable interoperability between iOS and Android devices using apps from public health authorities. These official apps will be available for users to download via their respective app stores.
Second, in the coming months, Apple and Google will work to enable a broader Bluetooth-based contact tracing platform by building this functionality into the underlying platforms. A more robust solution than an API, this would allow more individuals to participate, if they choose to opt in, as well as enable interaction with a broader ecosystem of apps and government health authorities, the release says.
“Privacy, transparency, and consent are of utmost importance in this effort, and we look forward to building this functionality in consultation with interested stakeholders. We will openly publish information about our work for others to analyze,” reads the news release.
“All of us at Apple and Google believe there has never been a more important moment to work together to solve one of the world’s most pressing problems. Through close cooperation and collaboration with developers, governments and public health providers, we hope to harness the power of technology to help countries around the world slow the spread of Covid-19 and accelerate the return of everyday life,” adds the release.
As part of this partnership, Apple and Google have released draft technical documentation, including Bluetooth and cryptography specifications and framework documentation.
