Apple and Google’s contact tracing API is finally live

Apple and Google’s application programming interface (API) for contact tracing is now available publicly, the two companies announced today. The APIs will be rolled out through publicly available software updates, though only public health authorities (PHAs) will be able to use the APIs to build contact tracing apps.

“What we’ve built is not an app — rather public health agencies will incorporate the API into their own apps that people install. Our technology is designed to make these apps work better. Each user gets to decide whether or not to opt-in to Exposure Notifications; the system does not collect or use location from the device; and if a person is diagnosed with COVID-19, it is up to them whether or not to report that in the public health app,” the two companies reiterated through a statement.