U.S. Contact Tracing Efforts Face Setbacks Over Privacy, Tech Issues

Tech giants Apple and Google proposed contact tracing plans to combat COVID-19, but privacy concerns have delayed app rollouts. Brian McClendon highlighted valid data concerns, especially regarding location data. North Dakota is developing a more secure app using the Apple-Google framework. Bluetooth-based contact tracing addresses privacy issues but requires user opt-in, limiting effectiveness. Only a few states have adopted this framework. Experts suggest a national app and more manual contact tracers are needed, as the U.S. lags behind other countries in hiring tracers.

What was a major concern that delayed the rollout of contact tracing apps by Apple and Google?

• Technical difficulties

• Privacy concerns

• Public disinterest

• Lack of funding

How does the Apple-Google Exposure Notification framework aim to protect user privacy?

• By requiring user passwords

• By using GPS tracking

• Through cryptographic techniques

• By storing data on a central server

What is a significant drawback of the Apple-Google contact tracing approach?

• It is not compatible with Android devices

• It requires users to opt-in

• It is too expensive to implement

• It does not work on older phones

According to experts, what could improve the effectiveness of contact tracing in the US?

• Better internet connectivity

• More advertising

• A national app

• Increased testing

How many additional manual contact tracers does the US need according to a Johns Hopkins report?

• 10,000

• 50,000

• 100,000

• 150,000