Apple and Google are teaming up to allow COVID-19 contact tracing on many of the world's smartphones. The partnership will allow an estimated 3 billion people to opt in to location tracking through Bluetooth on their smartphones for the purposes of combating the coronavirus pandemic.

‘Apple and Google are launching a comprehensive solution that includes application programming interfaces (APIs) and operating system-level technology to assist in enabling COVID-19 contact tracing.’

First, in May, the tech giants will release APIs that enable interoperability between Android and iOS 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," they informed.
"Contact tracing can help slow the spread of COVID-19 and can be done without compromising user privacy. We're working with @sundarpichai & @Google to help health officials harness Bluetooth technology in a way that also respects transparency & consent," tweeted Apple CEO Tim Cook.
Since COVID-19 can be transmitted through close proximity to affected individuals, public health officials have identified contact tracing as a valuable tool to help contain its spread.
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As part of this partnership, Google and Apple are releasing draft technical documentation, including Bluetooth and cryptography specifications and framework documentation.
Source-IANS