Apple-Google Join Forces to Stop the Spread of COVID-19

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] The two giants of the information and communication (IT) industry, Google and Apple, have joined forces to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). They have developed technology applicable to both major smartphone operating systems, iOS and Android, aimed at tracking individuals who have come into contact with confirmed COVID-19 cases. This is notable as it is the first time a private company, rather than government authorities, in the United States has established such a system to curb the spread of COVID-19. With the two companies’ mobile operating systems holding a combined market share of 99.29%, it is expected to significantly contribute to preventing the spread of COVID-19 by effectively tracking the movements of virtually all smartphone users worldwide.

According to The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), Google and Apple released a joint statement on the 10th (local time) announcing that they have co-developed an API (Application Programming Interface) to track the movements of confirmed COVID-19 patients, which is scheduled to be launched in May. This technology can be applied to official applications of the World Health Organization (WHO) and others. By June, the technology will be directly integrated into the Android and iOS operating systems, allowing users to utilize it simply by upgrading their OS without needing to download a separate app. However, the technology cannot be applied without the user’s prior consent.

This technology is characterized by its use of Bluetooth functionality. When a smartphone user comes into contact with a confirmed COVID-19 patient, they are notified via Bluetooth. The user’s location information is stored for 14 days and is used solely for COVID-19 management by health authorities.

Previously, technology for tracking infected individuals’ movements via smartphones has already been implemented in countries including South Korea, Singapore, and Israel.

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

While there is no disagreement that tracking users’ movements can effectively prevent the spread of COVID-19, concerns about privacy infringement continue to be raised. Mike Reid, a professor at the University of California, San Francisco, warned, "This is a useful method but can cause privacy issues." The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) also issued a statement saying, "Contact tracing apps cannot be effective until free testing is widespread and rapid, and equitable access to healthcare is ensured," and added, "People will only trust these apps if data is stored on individual devices rather than a central repository." U.S. President Donald Trump said, "It’s very interesting and we will strongly consider it," but also noted, "However, there are concerns about individual freedoms, and we will carefully examine this aspect."

In response, both companies announced that the technology will only be applied to users who have given prior consent and that no personally identifiable information will be collected. They also emphasized that information about contacts or the identity of confirmed patients will not be disclosed, and the data will be used solely for COVID-19 management by health authorities. Apple CEO Tim Cook stated on Twitter, "Because the technology can only be applied with the user’s prior consent, there is no privacy infringement," and added, "Contact tracing will greatly contribute to preventing the spread of COVID-19." Google CEO Sundar Pichai also stressed, "This technology has strong features to protect personal privacy."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.