Across the world, governments and health authorities are working together to find solutions to the COVID-19 pandemic to protect people and get society functioning again. Software developers are contributing by creating technological tools that help fight the virus and save lives. In this spirit of collaboration, Google and Apple are announcing a joint effort to enable governments and health organizations to use Bluetooth technology to help reduce the spread of the virus, with user privacy and security at the core of their design.
Because COVID-19 can be transmitted through close contact with an infected person, public health officials have identified contact tracing as a valuable tool to help limit the spread of infection. Many leading public health authorities, universities, and NGOs around the world are working critically to develop opt-in contact tracing technology. To further this goal, Apple and Google are announcing a comprehensive solution that includes application programming interfaces (APIs) and operating system-level technology to enable contact tracing. Given the urgent need, we plan to implement this solution in two phases, with strong protections for user privacy.
First, the two companies will release an API in May that will enable interoperability between Android and iOS devices using public health authority apps, which will then be made available for users to download from 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 capability into the underlying platforms. This is a more robust solution than an API and will enable more individuals to participate if they choose to opt-in, and will enable interaction with a broader ecosystem of apps and government health authorities. Privacy, transparency, and consent are paramount in this effort, and we look forward to building this capability in consultation with interested parties. We will publish information about our efforts for others to analyze.
Everyone at Apple and Google believes it's more important than ever that we come together to solve one of the world's most pressing problems. Through close collaboration and partnerships 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 speed the return of daily life.
