China has launched an app that enables people to detect whether they have been at risk of being infected by the novel coronavirus.
China introduced the 'close contact detector' app, which tells users if they have been near a person who has been confirmed or suspected of having the virus. People identified as being at risk are then advised to remain at home and contact local health authorities.
This technology demonstrates the Chinese government's close surveillance of its population.
To use the app, users need to scan a Quick Response (QR) code on their smartphones using apps such as payment service Alipay or social media platform WeChat. Once the app is registered via a phone number, they will be asked to enter their name and ID number.
The status of up to three ID numbers can be checked for every registered phone number.
The app was developed by the government in partnership with the China Electronics Technology Group Corporation and supported by data from health and transport authorities.
Carolyn Bigg, a Hong Kong-based technology lawyer at the law firm DLA Piper, said: "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."
She added: "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."
The government defines "close contact" as coming near to, with no effective protection, confirmed, suspected or mild cases of the coronavirus while the person was ill, even if they were showing no symptoms at the time.
It covers people who work closely together, share a classroom, or live in the same home, medical staff, family members or other people who have been in close contact with patients and their caregivers, and passengers and crew who have been on planes, trains and other forms of transport with an infected person.
