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COVID-19 contact tracing apps raise privacy concerns

Apps have been developed for both Android and Apple devices.

As the number of coronavirus cases continue to increase, it's important to find ways to track how the disease is spreading. Technology, has again proven itself to be a viable solution. 

Months ago, tech companies Apple and Google partnered together to develop a software to track coronavirus cases using just your cell phone. In the background of your everyday phone uses, the software would monitor and track those you have come into contact with anonymously. 

To move the process forward, apps are being developed to service both Apple and Android devices.

How the apps work: 

If there are two users near each other, six feet or less, for a period of time, the phones will exchange keys or beacons to identify each other. Once the two parties go their separate ways, they are notified if a person they've exchanged keys with enters information indicating that they have tested positive. 

The feature is available on the latest version of IOS and some Android device. The feature only become active when you download an app that has the capabilities to use the feature. 

If you no longer want to use the tracing feature you are able to opt out at any time. 

More updates on this are expected in the coming weeks. Stay with 3News for more information as it become available. 

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