Apple and Google have released their first version of their exposure notification API to be used for contact tracing with the COVID-19 virus.
The new exposure notification API is a beta release which is currently in development. Apple recently released iOS 13.5 beta 3 which features the API. This API is designed to help health authorities track and mitigate the spread of COVID-19 by notifying individuals who may have been exposed to the virus.
How the Exposure Notification API Works
The exposure notification API leverages Bluetooth technology to detect proximity between devices. When two devices with the API come into close contact, they exchange anonymous identifiers. If a user tests positive for COVID-19, they can choose to share their diagnosis within the app, which will then notify other users who have been in close contact with them. This system ensures user privacy by not collecting location data or personal information.
Apple and Google will be releasing more information about the API on Friday and also some sample code to show how it can be used for contact tracing. This will help developers understand how to integrate the API into their own applications, ensuring a broader adoption and more effective contact tracing efforts.
Global Adoption and Challenges
This new API will allow health providers to calculate risk and define their own criteria for contact tracing related to the coronavirus. Although not all health providers will be using it, the NHS in the UK have decided to use their own software. This decision highlights one of the challenges in creating a unified global response to the pandemic. Different countries and health organizations have varying approaches and requirements, which can lead to fragmentation.
For example, while some countries may adopt the Apple-Google API, others may develop their own solutions or use a combination of both. This can create compatibility issues and reduce the overall effectiveness of contact tracing efforts. However, the flexibility of the API allows it to be adapted to different needs and integrated with other systems.
Another challenge is user adoption. For the API to be effective, a significant portion of the population needs to use it. This requires public trust in the technology and assurances that their privacy will be protected. Apple and Google have emphasized that the API is designed with privacy in mind, using anonymous identifiers and not collecting location data.
Despite these challenges, the collaboration between Apple and Google represents a significant step forward in the fight against COVID-19. By leveraging their combined resources and expertise, they have created a tool that can help health authorities track and contain the virus more effectively.
In addition to the technical aspects, there are also ethical considerations. The use of technology for contact tracing raises questions about privacy, data security, and the potential for misuse. It is essential for developers and health authorities to address these concerns and ensure that the technology is used responsibly.
Source Techcrunch
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