Press Play with Madeleine Brand

iPhones and Androids can send COVID exposure alerts. But that tech isn’t being used everywhere

While waiting for the COVID-19 vaccine, picture this: You’re scrolling through your social media on your phone, and suddenly a notification pops up that says you have been exposed to coronavirus.

By Madeleine Brand • Dec 1, 2020 • 7m Listen

While waiting for the COVID-19 vaccine, picture this: You’re scrolling through your social media on your phone, and suddenly a notification pops up that says you have been exposed to coronavirus. These notifications are part of a new alert system currently being rolled out across the country. Seventeen states have them so far. These exposure alerts use bluetooth technology on both Android and iPhones to track who you’ve been around and whether they’ve tested positive for coronavirus.

Washington Post: A covid-fighting tool is buried in your phone. Turn it on.

Madeleine Brand
Host, 'Press Play'
Sarah Sweeney
Vice President of Talk Programming, KCRW
Michell Eloy
Line Editor, Press Play
Amy Ta
Digital News & Culture Editor
Geoffrey Fowler
technology columnist for the Washington Post

Press Play with Madeleine Brand

iPhones and Androids can send COVID exposure alerts. But that tech isn’t being used everywhere

While waiting for the COVID-19 vaccine, picture this: You’re scrolling through your social media on your phone, and suddenly a notification pops up that says you have been exposed to coronavirus.

Share

Press Play with Madeleine Brand

iPhones and Androids can send COVID exposure alerts. But that tech isn’t being used everywhere

While waiting for the COVID-19 vaccine, picture this: You’re scrolling through your social media on your phone, and suddenly a notification pops up that says you have been exposed to coronavirus.

Share