Security News > 2020 > May > Apple and Google to prevent contact tracing apps from tracking your location

Developers who create contact tracing apps using a joint technology from Apple and Google will not be able to track the location of users.

The guidelines specifically state: "A Contact Tracing App may not use location-based APIs, may not use Bluetooth functionality, and may not collect any device information to identify the precise location of users. In addition, Contact Tracing Apps are prohibited from using frameworks or APIs in the Apple Software that enable access to personally identifiable information, unless otherwise agreed by Apple."

In their implementation, Apple and Google will first develop APIs that would help public health authorities design apps with contact tracing capabilities.

These apps would be available in both Apple's App Store and the Google Play store.

In the second phase, the two companies would build the necessary Bluetooth-based contact tracing platform into their operating systems, a more robust solution than an API, according to Apple.

News URL

https://www.techrepublic.com/article/apple-and-google-to-prevent-contact-tracing-apps-from-tracking-your-location/#ftag=RSS56d97e7