Covid-19: Apple, Google ban use of location tracking in contact tracing apps


Apple and Google said they will not allow use of GPS data along with the contact tracing systems. The decision will require public health authorities who want to use GPS location data to rely on unstable workarounds to detect encounters using Bluetooth sensors. — Reuters

Apple Inc and Alphabet Inc’s Google on Monday said they would ban the use of location tracking in apps that use a new contact tracing system the two are building to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Apple and Google, whose operating systems power 99% of smartphones, said last month they would work together to create a system for notifying people who have been near others who have tested positive for Covid-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.

Save 30% and win Bosch appliances! More Info

Monthly Plan

RM13.90/month
RM9.73 only

Billed as RM9.73 for the 1st month then RM13.90 thereafters.

Annual Plan

RM12.33/month
RM8.63/month

Billed as RM103.60 for the 1st year then RM148 thereafters.

1 month

Free Trial

For new subscribers only


Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.
Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Tech News

Italy agrees with US to oppose 'discriminatory' tech taxes
Google to appeal against part of US court's decision in monopoly case
Italian newspaper gives free rein to AI, admires its irony
India's elephant warning system tackles deadly conflict
Mark Zuckerberg goes to Washington and buys a mansion
Google’s AI Overviews echo anti-abortion messaging, report finds
India's Modi, Musk discussed potential collaboration in technology
China unveils world’s fastest hard drive. Is ‘Poxiao’ the dawn of new flash memory?
Vietnam's public security ministry aims to take majority stake in internet firm, document shows
Google is twice a monopolist. Fixing it will be the hard part

Others Also Read