EU to link national COVID-19 tracing apps together

European Commission on Monday launched an EU-wide system devised to link national COVID-19 tracing apps toger in its latest effort to slow down coronavirus pandemic.

Following testing in different EU countries earlier this autumn, bloc's executive arm said system got underway with three national apps — Germany’s Corona-Warn-App, Ireland’s COVID tracker, and Italy’s immuni — w linked through so-called interoperability gateway.

According to European Commission, se three apps have been downloed by around 30 million people, equivalent of two-thirds of all tracing app downlos in EU.

Tracing apps have been developed to break contagion chains by alerting people if y’ve been near someone who has been infected.

As virus cases continue to surge across 27-nation bloc, new system ensures that national apps can work in all countries willing to join scheme, as users only need to install one app also compatible in or participating nations.

In total, commission said tracing apps from 20 member states could be linked via this system.

“Many member states have launched voluntary contact tracing and warning apps, and commission has supported m in make se apps safely interact with each or," said Thierry Breton, commissioner for single market. “Free movement is an integral part of single market, gateway is facilitating this while helping save lives.”

EU said all information generated by apps doesn't allow identification of users and isn't kept after infections are traced back.