Covid-19 contact tracing apps

Abstract

As a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries, including Switzerland, have put enormous efforts to break chains of infections using automated contact tracing apps for smartphones. As a result, different approaches such as centralized and decentralized apps with a wide range of frameworks have been deployed, including DP-3T and PEPP-PT. It immediately raised privacy concerns and intensified the importance of ensuring interoperability between the various apps, especially in border regions. Those frameworks were examined regarding its privacy architecture and interoperability, including usage of the tracing apps of Switzerland, France, and Germany. Applicable regulations such as the GDPR must be complied with, and user concerns and the general effectiveness of automated tracing applications respected. Finally, the conclusion answers the main objectives and provides an outlook with potential solutions.