EU document: Use of virus-tracing apps should be voluntary

A contact tracking application created by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), using Bluetooth and a design called Decentralised Privacy-Preserving Proximity Tracing (DP-3T), by the Swiss Government for easing of the lockdown caused by the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) outbreak. Countries are rushing to develop mobile tracing apps, hoping that the smartphone technology could help to reopen borders without unleashing a second wave of the pandemic. That in turn has triggered concerns about privacy breaches and government surveillance long after the virus crisis has eased. — Reuters

BRUSSELS: The European Commission will urge EU governments on May 13 to use Covid-19 contact tracing apps on a voluntary basis as part of a package of measures aimed at lifting border restrictions and reviving the European Union's tourism and travel industries.

Countries are rushing to develop mobile tracing apps, hoping that the smartphone technology could help to reopen borders without unleashing a second wave of the pandemic.