Apple, Google release new contact tracing API specs, security, accuracy measures

After announcing that they would work together to help governments’ contact-tracing efforts, Apple and Google released more technical details about their efforts. Amongst the changes made to the API they will provide to others, are stronger encryption standards, more accurate Bluetooth signals and more.

According to the companies, the changes are “the result of meaningful engagement and feedback from key external stakeholders around the world.” Today’s announcements mostly revolve around cryptography and Bluetooth specifications in the API.

Security

Apple and Google will now be using the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) instead of the earlier Hashed Message Authentication Code (HMAC).