Tech giants Apple and Google have stated that they would ban the use of location tracking in apps that use a new contact tracing system that they are building to assist in slowing down the spread of the coronavirus.
Both companies had stated last month that they were working together to create a system for notifying people who have been near others who have tested positive for COVID-19. However they plan to only allow public health authorities to use the technology.
According to Reuters, the Apple-Google decision to not allow GPS data collection with their contact tracing system will require public health authorities that want to access GPS location to rely on what Apple and Google have described as unstable, battery-draining workarounds.
Privacy experts have warned that if location data related to health issues is exposed, this could lead to the ostracisation of people and businesses
Both companies also said that they will allow only one app per country to use the contact system, to avoid fragmentation and encourage wider adoption. They also said that they would, however, support countries that opt for a state or regional approach.
