Reuters reports that authorities in 23 countries across five continents have sought access to contact tracing technology from Apple and Google.
On April 10, the two companies announced a joint effort to help governments and health agencies reduce the spread of COVID-19. The plan is to implement this solution in two steps while maintaining strong protections around user privacy.
Both companies are releasing application programming interfaces [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.
Apple and Google rules bar authorities from requiring residents to use the app. Reuters notes that apps sidestepping their technology have seen limited adoption so far.
