Covid-19: Apple, Google say users to control virus ‘tracing’ tool

The underlying technology being developed by Google and Apple, expected in early May, has rankled some officials in Europe seeking central control of the tracing data. — Reuters

WASHINGTON: Apple and Google said April 24 their coronavirus “contact tracing” technology would enable smartphone users to control their own data, and that the system would likely be shut down after the pandemic ends.

The US technology giants, engaged in an unprecedented collaboration to allow smartphones to communicate across their respective platforms, released new technical details of their program highlighting privacy protections in the initiative.