Apple and Google announced they would join forces to develop a smartphone application for tracking coronavirus infections using existing Bluetooth and encryption technology.
The tech giants said they would employ Bluetooth to create “contact tracing technology” tools to alert users if they have come in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, according to a joint statement from the companies.
“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,” the statement reads.
“Privacy, transparency, and consent are of utmost importance in this effort,” the companies said in a statement published on Google’s blog site.
The worldwide death toll from the new coronavirus surpassed 102,000 early on Saturday.
