Apple's Contact Tracing System Will Require Verification When Users Report Testing Positive for COVID-19

[MacRumors]

Apple today in a press briefing indicated that its upcoming COVID-19 contact tracing system with Google will have a verification flow, meaning that users will be required to submit proof in order to report that they have tested positive for the disease.

As an example, Apple said that a person who tests positive for COVID-19 could receive a QR code with their test results and then scan that QR code within the contact tracing system for confirmation purposes, but the exact implementation remains to be seen. Apple said verification will be handled by an external entity and could vary by region.

Verification will be a very important step in Apple's and Google's contact tracing system, preventing users from falsely reporting that they have tested positive for COVID-19 and inflicting unnecessary worry on others.

Apple also ensured that the contact tracing system will not be enforced by governments and will instead function on an opt-in basis.

Apple and Google revealed plans for their contact tracing system earlier this week. The joint effort will use Bluetooth to alert users when they have potentially come in close contact with someone who later tests positive for COVID-19, while respecting user privacy.

Read our coverage of the announcement for more details.

Article Link: Apple's Contact Tracing System Will Require Verification When Users Report Testing Positive for COVID-19

 

[jasonefmonk]

What if I want absolutely nothing to do with this?

 

[macmyworld]

Wait until Tinder starts using this idea...

 

[ziggie216]

What if I want absolutely nothing to do with this?

then do nothing

 

[Salty Pirate]

This is fine.


How about F no

 

[farewelwilliams]

now if we only did this with the flu

 

[Doctor Q]

now if we only did this with the flu

This could easily be the model for future contact tracing.

 

[locovaca]

Oh just like I can “turn off” the Bluetooth in Control Center but it doesn’t turn it off?

 

[BlazednSleepy]

Oh just like I can “turn off” the Bluetooth in Control Center but it doesn’t turn it off?

Turn it off in the settings then.

 

[now i see it]

what could possibly go wrong?

 

[NavySilver]

This is a pretty innovative solution, and considering I live in a dense, major city that was (and still is) hard hit by the virus, I will opt in.

What if I want absolutely nothing to do with this?

Another option is to quarantine yourself until the whole country's declared safe

 

[BaltimoreMediaBlog]

Learn to read. "Apple also ensured that the contact tracing system will not be enforced by governments and will instead function on an opt-in basis."

The bigger question is how is Google going to handle your privacy? That very much worries me.

 

[nexu]

Actually privacy implementation in this project was really well done. Would opt in as well

 

[ipedro]

What if I want absolutely nothing to do with this?

The thing that this pandemic has revealed about society is the upsetting number of selfish, self centred people we live amongst.

I'm satisfied with the privacy measures built into this system and would absolutely opt in so that together, we can prevent further infections and end the suffering for everybody.

The thing about selfish people is that they depend on there being enough selfless people in society to end this pandemic for everyone. If there are more selfish people than selfless people, then it'll end up coming back and hurting the selfish people. Karma, as explained by science.

 

[Plutonius]

It's a good idea but I'm not sure in this case why proof is required.

Apple is partnered with Google and Google is said to know everything about the people using the internet .

 

[msp3]

what could possibly go wrong?

Next stop: Proles and outer party members will be required to submit proof in order to *not* have the app send an alert to the Stasi and their brown shirt enablers

 

[UnusedLoginID]

This can only work if:
- everybody everywhere in the world is opt-in by default
- the user is not the one inputting the fact they tested positive but the testing lab
Otherwise it will be pretty much useless.

 

[calzon65]

This still feels creepy, especially with Google involved.

 

[quietstormSD]

Works if people actually get tested!

 

[dannyyankou]

What if I want absolutely nothing to do with this?

Then don't opt-in to this opt-in program.

 

[Salty Pirate]

The thing that this pandemic has revealed about society is the upsetting number of selfish, self centred people we live amongst.

I'm satisfied with the privacy measures built into this system and would absolutely opt in so that together, we can prevent further infections and end the suffering for everybody.

The thing about selfish people is that they depend on there being enough selfless people in society to end this pandemic for everyone. If there are more selfish people than selfless people, then it'll end up coming back and hurting the selfish people. Karma, as explained by science.

It not selfish to protect oneself from Google. Truly an evil company.

 

[xaqt93]

Honestly, I think it is a good idea. I don't know why someone WOULD NOT want to Opt-In. I personally will opt in.

 

[munpip214]

Will this retroactive? Otherwise I don’t see the point. People known with the virus should not be going anywhere and if you run into them it is already too late. What’s the app supposed to do to help?

 

[RevTEG]

I pray we all stay healthy. I’m shelter in place, only going out for groceries and wearing a mask. But I’m going to pass on this.

 

[burgman]

What if I want absolutely nothing to do with this?

Step one don’t read about then comment.
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The thing that this pandemic has revealed about society is the upsetting number of selfish, self centred people we live amongst.

I'm satisfied with the privacy measures built into this system and would absolutely opt in so that together, we can prevent further infections and end the suffering for everybody.

The thing about selfish people is that they depend on there being enough selfless people in society to end this pandemic for everyone. If there are more selfish people than selfless people, then it'll end up coming back and hurting the selfish people. Karma, as explained by science.

Another type of herd immunity I hadn’t considered.