Question

Across the world, governments and health authorities are working together to find solutions to the COVID-19 pandemic, to protect people and get society back up and running. Software developers are contributing by crafting technical tools to help combat the virus and save lives. In this spirit of collaboration, Google and Apple are announcing a joint effort to enable the use of Bluetooth technology to help governments and health agencies reduce the spread of the virus, with user privacy and security central to the design.

Since COVID-19 can be transmitted through close proximity to affected individuals, public health officials have identified contact tracing as a valuable tool to help contain its spread. A number of leading public health authorities, universities, and NGOs around the world have been doing important work to develop opt-in contact tracing technology. To further this cause, Apple and Google will be launching a comprehensive solution that includes application programming interfaces (APIs) and operating system-level technology to assist in enabling contact tracing. Given the urgent need, the plan is to implement this solution in two steps while maintaining strong protections around user privacy.

First, in May, both companies will release APIs that enable interoperability between Android and iOS devices using apps from public health authorities. These official apps will be available for users to download via their respective app stores.

Second, in the coming months, Apple and Google will work to enable a broader Bluetooth-based contact tracing platform by building this functionality into the underlying platforms. This is a more robust solution than an API and would allow more individuals to participate, if they choose to opt in, as well as enable interaction with a broader ecosystem of apps and government health authorities. Privacy, transparency, and consent are of utmost importance in this effort, and we look forward to building this functionality in consultation with interested stakeholders. We will openly publish information about our work for others to analyze.

All of us at Apple and Google believe there has never been a more important moment to work together to solve one of the world’s most pressing problems. Through close cooperation and collaboration with developers, governments and public health providers, we hope to harness the power of technology to help countries around the world slow the spread of COVID-19 and accelerate the return of everyday life.

Discussion Questions:

1. Is the development and implementation of an operating system-level contact tracing platform a good business decision and partnership for Apple and Google? Why or why not?
2. What are some ethical business issues that Apple and Google will encounter as they invest time, resources, and capital into the development and deployment of this technology? Please provide details.
3. Due to the societal importance of contact tracing to help slow the spread of COVID-19, should this function be switched from an opt-in to a mandatory function of all mobile phones? Why or why not?

Answer 1

THe COVID-19 pandemic has affected the whole world. The governments across countries are trying their best to cut the spread of the pandemic. One major finding as to how to reduce the spread is contact tracing. This is considered to be an effective measure. But tracing is not too easy as it seems. With more and more cases being reported daily, the amount of tracing that can be done gets limited. Various companies are coming up with innovations and ideas to help curb this pandemic. In this scenario, the decision taken by Google and Apple to enter into a partnership is the right choice. The Bluetooth based contact tracing platform which will be developed by these yech-giants will be beneficial to society.

The companies might face ethical constraints as they come up with the contact tracing mechanism. They can have security issues. The ethical practices of the companies should match. They should agree upon a common point. They will face privacy issues as well. Only relevant information should be traced to protect the health of the general public.

At present, the companies have announced that people can opt-in that is they can download the app and provide information in it. If the situation gets worse, it will be good to make this function compulsory. But this will not take place much effectively as there are a vast number of people around the globe who do not have access to the internet. There might be people who do not even use cell-phones. This becomes a major problem. People themselves should take the initiative to stop the spread of the disease. But there will be security concerns which stops the people from using these applications. The companies should take measures to educate the people and should be ethical.