China introduces ‘close contact detector’ app to detect coronavirus

China launched coronavirus ‘close contact detector’ application to enable people to detect whether they have been at risk of catching the virus.

This application will also let people check if they are have been near to coronavirus carriers or to people suspected of catching the virus.

Suspected people are asked by professionals to stay at home and consult local health experts.

Users of the ‘close contact detector’ application can scan a Quick Response (QR) code on their smartphones. This will let the users register the app with their phone numbers. The app has log-in criteria. Users have to enter their name or ID number to log-in. users can then use the app to see the status of up to three ID numbers.

According to the local news agency, the application was created by China Electronics Technology Group Corporation and government officials. Data from health and transport authorities supported the app.

Experts say that this application will not be considered as controversial in China.

A Hong Kong-based technology lawyer at the law company DLA Piper Carolyn Bigg informed to the international news agency, “In China, and across Asia, data is not seen as something to be locked down, it’s something that can be used. Provided it’s done in a transparent way, with consent where needed.”

“From a Chinese perspective, this is a really useful service for people… It’s a really powerful tool that really shows the power of data being used for good,” she added.

Chinese government explains that close contact means people who work closely together, sharing a home or sharing the classrooms, medical workers who work close to their patients, passenger and crew members on the planes or in other means of transportation.