Today, Apple and Google have made the first public version of their exposure notification API available. The technology, originally introduced as a joint contact-tracing software tool, has undergone significant development to ensure that it preserves user privacy while enabling public health agencies to notify individuals who may have been exposed to COVID-19.
What is the Exposure Notification API?
The Exposure Notification system is designed to notify users of potential exposure to others with confirmed cases of COVID-19. The technology uses a decentralized identifier system, which generates temporary keys on a user’s device that are not linked to their identity or location information. This approach prioritizes user privacy while allowing public health agencies to track exposure risk.
How Does the API Work?
The Exposure Notification API allows public health agencies to define what constitutes potential exposure in terms of exposed time and distance. They can also adjust transmission risk and other factors according to their specific requirements. The API uses a combination of randomly generated temporary keys and Bluetooth metadata (such as signal strength and transmitting power) to determine exposure.
Key Features of the Exposure Notification API
- Decentralized Identifier System: The technology uses a decentralized identifier system that generates temporary keys on a user’s device, without linking them to their identity or location information.
- Temporary Keys: Temporary keys are randomly generated and have a limited lifespan, making it difficult for others to track users’ locations or identify them.
- Bluetooth Metadata: Bluetooth metadata (such as signal strength and transmitting power) is used to determine exposure risk.
- Public Health Agency Control: Public health agencies can control what constitutes potential exposure in terms of exposed time and distance.
Privacy Considerations
Apple and Google have prioritized user privacy by implementing several measures:
- Encryption: All Bluetooth metadata (such as signal strength and transmitting power) is encrypted to prevent its misuse.
- Temporary Keys: Temporary keys are randomly generated, making it difficult for others to track users’ locations or identify them.
API Access
The Exposure Notification API is now available to public health agencies worldwide. Apple and Google have already conducted more than 24 briefings and tech talks with public health authorities to ensure that the technology meets their requirements.
System-Level Features
Apple and Google continue to collaborate with public health authorities to determine what system-level features will be most useful in developing COVID-19 mitigation strategies. These features may include:
- Exposure Notifications: Automatic exposure notifications for users who have been exposed to others with confirmed cases of COVID-19.
- Contact Tracing: Automated contact tracing capabilities to help public health agencies track the spread of COVID-19.
Conclusion
The Exposure Notification API represents a significant step forward in the fight against COVID-19. By prioritizing user privacy and providing flexible control for public health agencies, Apple and Google have created a technology that is poised to make a meaningful impact on public health worldwide.