France: StopCovid, how does it work?

Text by: RFI Follow

After a debate and an advisory vote in the National Assembly and in the Senate, the digital tracking application for the StopCovid smartphone is available for download this Tuesday, June 2 at noon.

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The objective of the StopCovid application is to allow a person who is positive for coronavirus to automatically alert all the mobile users with whom they have had “prolonged contact” and proximity at approximately one meter and lasting more than fifteen minutes, so that they, in turn, get tested.

This device is based on a technology called Bluetooth which equips most smartphones. These short-range radio waves allow information to be exchanged between surrounding mobiles, provided that they share the same application.

StopCovid stores the unique and anonymous identifier of the person crossed for 14 days and offers wide control over the data that is communicated. Developed in accordance with the principle of volunteering and anonymity, users of the application can delete information about them at any time.

They choose in case of contamination whether or not they want to warn people crossed, to uninstall the application. It does not activate the geolocation system of the devices and does not make it possible to "trace" individuals, specify these designers. This digital tool is part of the "barrier gestures", believes the government.

StopCovid is compatible with Apple devices and smartphones with Google's Android system, its download is obviously free.

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