Covid-19: How does China use phone tracking apps?

It seems that China was able to stop the spread of Covid-19. The local authorities announced that only a few imported cases have been recorded for several weeks. Such positive outcomes go back to collective consciousness, wearing masks, distancing but also an efficient use of technology and big data.

In the country, the tracing of infected or potentially infected people is done by a system of QR code. The principle is very simple. Each citizen has his/her own code. It is a unique identifier that allows them to leave their homes, to take transportations, to access their workplaces/shops. The QR code is prerequisite every time a person goes out.

In the metro or at the entrance to a park, citizens are required to show the QR code. If it is green, the person is safe and access is allowed. Otherwise, the code is displayed in orange or red to indicate that a quarantine of 7 to 14 days is required.

The most widely used tracking application is developed by the Chinese internet giant Alibaba, which analyzes the data to determine whether or not the user of the QR code is a safe person for the population to be around.

Read also | Covid-19: a PCR test in 30 minutes