Apple and Google Contact Tracing App may come out sooner than we expected

Earlier, Apple and Google have reported that they are working together to build a Contact Tracing app. This App will be useful to track down Coronavirus patients. It was supposed to come out in Mid May. But according to Les Echos' interview with Thierry Breton, European Commissioner for the Internal Market, we deciphered, that the app will be out sooner than we expected. He told the Les Echos,

Tim Cook told me that a first version of the technology that Apple is preparing in partnership with Google will be available to developers on April 28, it is essential for them to be able to work.

He even tweeted:

I just had a good exchange with #Apple CEO @tim_cook on the need to ensure that contact tracing apps are fully:

✔️anonymised

✔️voluntary

✔️transparent

✔️temporary

✔️secured

and interoperable across operating systems and borders.#Deconfinement apps must respect our #privacy. pic.twitter.com/VrnUXOsrat

— Thierry Breton (@ThierryBreton) April 22, 2020

What was the initial plan?

First, in May, both companies would release APIs that would enable interoperability between Android and iOS devices. This will use apps from public health authorities. These official apps will be available for users to download via their respective app stores. An API allows two applications to converse with each other. In simple words, Google and Apple will develop an app that will transfer data from public health authorities to the user and vice versa.

Second, in the coming months, Apple and Google will work to enable a broader Bluetooth-based contact tracing platform. They will build this functionality into the underlying platforms. This second part was supposed to come later this year.

Will this app be safer than Government developed apps like Aarogya Setu?

Thierry Berton, in the interview, further explained that these apps have raised questions on the data privacy. He said that it was important that Apple respects all the European Union elements regarding privacy.

But the app is bound to be Bluetooth enabled. It will also be as per the guidelines of the state-governed health apps.