Sure we will all have heard about the NHSX Contact Tracing App currently being trialled on the Isle of Wight, if proves effective expected to roll out nationally in due course.
The app will use Bluetooth Low Energy which will keep track of Handsets and relay Data. The App will be able to determine when a user experiencing symptoms has come into significant contact with other people using the app and therefore build a Traceable Map. It will rely on self reporting on an anonymous basis, users though will need to enter the first part of their Postcode. The system is voluntary but reports have suggested it will require a take up rate of around 60% to be effective.
Other European countries have similar approaches but most are using a decentralised system where the Data is only shared on the handsets, whereas in the UK and France for instance are using a centralised approach where all the Data ends up on a centralised server for processing. The NHS can get more information on how the disease is spreading if users share location Data, however there are greater privacy risks and they will not be using the technology developed by Google/Apple. https://www.pocket-lint.com/apps/news/151988-nhs-contact-tracing-app-wont-use-apple-google-solution
I do have some concerns but think it is beneficial to have contact tracing assisted by technology, in addition to other methods. I think it is likely that I will be using the app, though everyone of course can draw their own conclusions. I will post two articles here giving somewhat different prospectives on the Technology.
https://thenextweb.com/syndication/2020/04/08/research-how-location-tracking-apps-could-stop-the-spr...
https://www.wired.co.uk/article/contact-tracing-apps-coronavirus Risk More Harm Than Good
I do not work for Samsung or make Samsung Products but provide independent advice and valuable contributions.
