Around the world, governments and health authorities are working together to find ways to defeat the COVID-19 epidemic, keep people safe and get society back to normal as soon as possible. Software developers are also doing their part to fight viruses and save lives by developing a variety of technological tools. In the spirit of this collaboration, Google and Apple announced that they are teaming up to launch a program that will use Bluetooth technology to help governments and health agencies slow the spread of the virus, with user privacy and security at the heart of the design.
Because COVID-19 can be transmitted through close contact with infected people, public health authorities have noted that contact tracing is an important tool to help control the spread of the outbreak. Several major public health agencies, universities and nongovernmental organizations around the world have taken on the task of developing contact-tracking technologies that people can opt in to. To advance this effort, Apple and Google will deliver a comprehensive set of solutions to help people implement contact tracking, including application programming interface (API) and operating system level technology. Given the urgency of the need, the solution is planned to be implemented in two steps and always ensure strong protection of users’ privacy.
First, the two companies will release an API in May that will allow the public health department’s apps to communicate between Android and iOS devices. Users will be able to download the official apps through their respective app stores.
Over the next few months, Apple and Google will build this feature into the underlying support platform, working together to create a broader Bluetooth-based contact-tracking platform. This solution is more powerful and reliable than a single API, allowing more people to choose to participate voluntarily, and enabling interaction with the broader app ecosystem and government health departments. Privacy, transparency and empowerment are at the top of the list in this scenario, so we look forward to building this feature in consultation with the relevant stakeholders. We will publish relevant information about the work content for all parties to analyze.
The people at Apple and Google believe that now is the most critical time in our history to work together to solve the world’s pressing challenges. By working in close collaboration with developers, governments and public health services, we hope to use the power of technology to help countries and regions around the world slow the spread of COVID-19 and speed the return to normal life.
Under this collaboration, _Google_ and _Apple_ will publish draft technical documents, including Bluetooth and cryptography specifications and framework documents.
Apple and Google team up to develop contact tracking technology for COVID-19
