Security News > 2020 > May > Apple and Google launch COVID-19 contact tracing API

Those apps must be contact tracing apps from from public health authorities.

Each day, phones running an app that uses the API will download a list of beacons from phones whose users have tested positive for the virus.

The NHS contact tracing app also uses Bluetooth proximity tracing.

This week, the government delayed the launch of that app, according to the Guardian, following a warning of security flaws in the system.

Today, Apple and Google are leaving it up to public health authorities to build apps that can take advantage of their API. In the second phase, the companies will embed the app functionality directly into their operating systems, albeit with an opt-in requirement.

News URL

https://nakedsecurity.sophos.com/2020/05/22/apple-and-google-launch-covid-19-contact-tracing-api/