Germany Agrees to Apple/Google Coronavirus Contact Tracing Approach

Germany has changed its approach to contact tracking applications aimed at limiting the spread of the coronavirus. Ministers announced on Sunday that the country now supports the “ decentralized ” approach, as recommended by Apple and Google (via Reuters).

Coronavirus contact tracking applications should provide a high level of IT security

Chancellor Chief Hele Braun and Health Minister Jens Spahn said in a statement:

This application must be voluntary, comply with data protection standards and ensure a high level of IT security. The main epidemiological goal is to recognize and break the infection chains as quickly as possible.

There was growing concern that applications monitoring with a COVID-19 positive person through Bluetooth are leading to high levels of monitoring. Apple, which is partnering with Google to develop the technology, released a number of new privacy notices on Friday. According to the statement, the German government now supports the approach to companies.