CHARLESTON SC (WCSC) – The Medical University of South Carolina is developing a voluntary application that uses new software from Apple and Google on phones to track and warn of possible exposure to COVID-19.
Android and iPhone users may have noticed a new feature added in recent updates called “COVID-19 exposure record”.
Android users can find it under “Google” in the settings. On the iPhone, it’s in “Settings”, then “Privacy” and, below that, go to the “Health” section.
“The purpose of the service is to allow your device to use Bluetooth to track its proximity to individuals who reported on government-issued applications that they are COVID-19 positive,” said Earl Smith Jr., professor of network systems at Trident Technical College. “This will allow you to obtain the time, location and how long you have been exposed to someone who has acknowledged having COVID.”
Only a few state health agencies have developed applications to use the feature.
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The application that MUSC is working on would have to be reviewed by the Department of Health and Environmental Control before being used on a large scale.
“I think it’s a smart idea,” said Ava Green, a Charleston resident. “But for some people who don’t want to, it can be a little awkward to get that and be tracked.”
Lancie Affonso, director of the data science program and professor of cybersecurity at the College of Charleston, said that any data collection poses risks and that voluntary use of such an application would be necessary.
“On the one hand, the data may help us to flatten the curve in the notification of individuals so that they do not spread the virus,” said Affonso. “But on the other hand, as there was no precedent, we didn’t have time as software engineers to go through the process and as data scientists to study the algorithms that we are using.”
Smith also said that he is cautious about the new technology, but he is not completely opposed if created with patient privacy in mind.
“I like the fact that we can find new ways to use technology to further promote society. To protect us even more from a pandemic, ”said Smith. “But at the same time, I just want to be very cautious, as we are doing this in the safest way possible.”
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