China's Coronavirus App Knows if You're at Risk of Infection The high level or surveillance carried out across China means figuring out if you've been in contact with someone infected with coronavirus is a relatively simple task.

By Matthew Humphries

This story originally appeared on PC Mag

via PC Mag

With over 1,000 deaths, people are understandably very concerned about the spread of coronavirus. In China, strong measures are being used to stop the spread, but now there's also an app allowing people there to check how likely they are to get infected.

As the BBC reports, the app is called the "close contact detector" and it relies on the high level of surveillance the Chinese government carries out on its citizens. Once the app is downloaded and installed, an individual enters their name and ID number. The app then checks the recent movements of the individual against confirmed and suspected cases of coronavirus infection.

If an individual has come into near or direct contact with an infected person, the app will know and advise them to both stay at home and contact local health authorities. I'd also be very surprised if the app didn't also inform the authorities in case the person decides not to.

What classes as close contact includes people who work together, passengers and crew traveling together on any form of public transport, and any medical staff including their family members who are at the highest risk of being in the same room as someone with the coronavirus.

According to Carolyn Bigg, a technology lawyer at Hong Kong-based law firm DLA Piper, "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."

As for how the app came to be, it was developed by the China Electronics Technology Group Corporation in conjunction with government departments and the health and transport authorities. Without having full access to all the data from so many different departments, the app simply wouldn't be able to function correctly and be of any real use.

Matthew Humphries

Senior Editor

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Business News

These Are the 10 Highest-Paying Jobs With the Lowest Stress, According to a New Report

From astronomer to geographer, these jobs will reportedly offer the highest paychecks with the least amount of stress in 2025.

Making a Change

Last Chance to Get Our Unbeatable Babbel Deal

Our end-of-year sale saves you 74% on lifetime access to top-notch language learning.

Side Hustle

This 24-Year-Old's Creative Side Hustle Surpassed $1 Million in Sales: 'Definitely Doing Something Right'

Content creator and actor Alyssa McKay saw the perfect opportunity to innovate.

Franchise

5 Must-Do Steps to Evaluate Franchise Opportunities Like a Pro

Once you've narrowed your franchise choices to a few — or a few dozen — it's time to investigate these informational options.

Growing a Business

When Shaquille O'Neal Wanted to Start a Restaurant, This Is Who He Approached

Perry Rogers, founder of management firm PRP and JRS Hospitality, had what it took to build his big client's Big Chicken restaurant concept.