TraceTogether

TraceTogether is a digital contact tracing app developed by the Government Technology Agency of Singapore to slow the spread of COVID-19 by identifying people who have been in close contact with those infected. The app uses Bluetooth signals to detect other TraceTogether users in close proximity.

Overview

TraceTogether was launched on 20 March 2020. It was the first nationwide deployment of a digital contact tracing solution. The app uses the BlueTrace protocol, which was also developed by the Government Technology Agency. The protocol uses Bluetooth signals to log encounters between users, which can then be used to identify close contacts when a user tests positive for COVID-19.

Functionality

When two TraceTogether users come into close contact, their apps exchange anonymised IDs that are stored locally on each user's phone. No geolocation or other personal data is involved in this process. If a user tests positive for COVID-19, they can choose to share their app data with the Ministry of Health, which can then use the data to identify and notify close contacts.

Reception and impact

TraceTogether has been praised for its privacy-preserving features and its potential to enhance traditional contact tracing efforts. However, it has also faced criticism over privacy concerns and technical issues. Despite these challenges, the app has been adopted by a significant proportion of the population and has contributed to Singapore's COVID-19 response efforts.

See also

• COVID-19 pandemic in Singapore
• Digital contact tracing
• BlueTrace

TraceTogether Resources
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