Icelandic authorities have launched an app that tracks users’ movements in order to help with contract tracking coronavirus cases. The app, called Rakning C-19, is currently only available in the Apple Store, but Android phone users will hopefully not have to wait long. The app is under review for launch in the Google Play store, and authorities are expecting to receive the final approval shortly.
The app is a joint project of Iceland’s Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management and Directorate of Health. It collects data about other phones in the area, making it easier to trace whom an individual was in contact with if they are later diagnosed with coronavirus.
The goal of the app is to speed up coronavirus contact tracing, and authorities have clarified that it will not replace the contact tracing team, which will continue to work with individuals directly when infection comes up.
The app was developed in collaboration with data security experts. The data gathered by the software is only stored locally, and users must grant permission to Icelandic authorities to access it.
Effective contact tracing and quarantine of those who have been at risk of infection have proven to be effective tools in slowing the spread of COVIC-19 in Iceland. Over half of those who have been confirmed with the virus, or 54%, were already in quarantine when their infection was confirmed.
