TraceTogether: Difference between revisions

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'''TraceTogether''' is a digital contact tracing app developed by the [[Government Technology Agency]] of Singapore to slow the spread of [[COVID-19]] by identifying people who have been in close contact with those infected. The app uses [[Bluetooth]] signals to detect other TraceTogether users in close proximity.
== TraceTogether ==


== Overview ==
[[File:TraceTogether_Logo.png|thumb|right|TraceTogether logo]]


TraceTogether was launched on 20 March 2020. It was the first nationwide deployment of a digital contact tracing solution. The app uses the [[BlueTrace]] protocol, which was also developed by the Government Technology Agency. The protocol uses Bluetooth signals to log encounters between users, which can then be used to identify close contacts when a user tests positive for COVID-19.
'''TraceTogether''' is a [[digital contact tracing]] application developed by the [[Government of Singapore]] to support efforts in mitigating the spread of [[COVID-19]]. The app uses [[Bluetooth]] technology to identify and record interactions between users, facilitating the process of contact tracing by health authorities.
 
== Development and Launch ==
 
TraceTogether was launched on 20 March 2020 by the [[Smart Nation and Digital Government Office]] (SNDGO) and the [[Ministry of Health (Singapore)|Ministry of Health]]. The app was developed in collaboration with the [[Government Technology Agency]] (GovTech). It was one of the first contact tracing apps globally to use Bluetooth technology to detect proximity between users.


== Functionality ==
== Functionality ==


When two TraceTogether users come into close contact, their apps exchange anonymised IDs that are stored locally on each user's phone. No geolocation or other personal data is involved in this process. If a user tests positive for COVID-19, they can choose to share their app data with the [[Ministry of Health (Singapore)|Ministry of Health]], which can then use the data to identify and notify close contacts.
TraceTogether works by exchanging anonymized [[Bluetooth]] signals with nearby phones that have the app installed. When two users are in close proximity, their devices exchange temporary IDs, which are stored locally on the users' phones. If a user tests positive for COVID-19, they can consent to share their data with the Ministry of Health, which helps identify and notify close contacts.
 
== TraceTogether Token ==
 
[[File:Tracetogether_Token_20210907_091956.jpg|thumb|right|TraceTogether token]]


== Reception and impact ==
In addition to the mobile app, a physical device known as the TraceTogether Token was introduced to cater to individuals without smartphones. The token functions similarly to the app, using Bluetooth to log interactions with other tokens and app users.


TraceTogether has been praised for its privacy-preserving features and its potential to enhance traditional contact tracing efforts. However, it has also faced criticism over privacy concerns and technical issues. Despite these challenges, the app has been adopted by a significant proportion of the population and has contributed to Singapore's COVID-19 response efforts.
== Deployment and Usage ==


== See also ==
The use of TraceTogether became mandatory for entry into certain public places in Singapore as part of the [[SafeEntry]] program. This integration allowed for automated check-ins at venues, streamlining the process of contact tracing.


[[File:TraceTogether_vending_machine_at_Kitchener_Complex.jpg|thumb|right|TraceTogether token vending machine]]
== Privacy and Security ==
The TraceTogether app and token have been designed with privacy in mind. Data is encrypted and stored locally on the device, and only shared with authorities upon user consent. The government has committed to using the data solely for contact tracing purposes.
== Adoption and Impact ==
As of 2021, TraceTogether had been downloaded by over 90% of Singapore's population, demonstrating significant adoption. The app has played a crucial role in Singapore's contact tracing efforts, helping to quickly identify and isolate potential COVID-19 cases.
== Related Pages ==
* [[COVID-19 pandemic in Singapore]]
* [[COVID-19 pandemic in Singapore]]
* [[SafeEntry]]
* [[Digital contact tracing]]
* [[Digital contact tracing]]
* [[BlueTrace]]
 
== References ==
* "TraceTogether." Smart Nation Singapore, www.smartnation.gov.sg/initiatives/tracetogether.
* "TraceTogether FAQs." Government Technology Agency, www.tracetogether.gov.sg/common-questions.


[[Category:COVID-19 pandemic in Singapore]]
[[Category:COVID-19 pandemic in Singapore]]
[[Category:Contact tracing]]
[[Category:Mobile applications]]
[[Category:Mobile applications]]
[[Category:Health in Singapore]]
[[Category:Government of Singapore]]
 
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Revision as of 23:51, 9 February 2025

TraceTogether

File:TraceTogether Logo.png
TraceTogether logo

TraceTogether is a digital contact tracing application developed by the Government of Singapore to support efforts in mitigating the spread of COVID-19. The app uses Bluetooth technology to identify and record interactions between users, facilitating the process of contact tracing by health authorities.

Development and Launch

TraceTogether was launched on 20 March 2020 by the Smart Nation and Digital Government Office (SNDGO) and the Ministry of Health. The app was developed in collaboration with the Government Technology Agency (GovTech). It was one of the first contact tracing apps globally to use Bluetooth technology to detect proximity between users.

Functionality

TraceTogether works by exchanging anonymized Bluetooth signals with nearby phones that have the app installed. When two users are in close proximity, their devices exchange temporary IDs, which are stored locally on the users' phones. If a user tests positive for COVID-19, they can consent to share their data with the Ministry of Health, which helps identify and notify close contacts.

TraceTogether Token

File:Tracetogether Token 20210907 091956.jpg
TraceTogether token

In addition to the mobile app, a physical device known as the TraceTogether Token was introduced to cater to individuals without smartphones. The token functions similarly to the app, using Bluetooth to log interactions with other tokens and app users.

Deployment and Usage

The use of TraceTogether became mandatory for entry into certain public places in Singapore as part of the SafeEntry program. This integration allowed for automated check-ins at venues, streamlining the process of contact tracing.

File:TraceTogether vending machine at Kitchener Complex.jpg
TraceTogether token vending machine

Privacy and Security

The TraceTogether app and token have been designed with privacy in mind. Data is encrypted and stored locally on the device, and only shared with authorities upon user consent. The government has committed to using the data solely for contact tracing purposes.

Adoption and Impact

As of 2021, TraceTogether had been downloaded by over 90% of Singapore's population, demonstrating significant adoption. The app has played a crucial role in Singapore's contact tracing efforts, helping to quickly identify and isolate potential COVID-19 cases.

Related Pages

References

  • "TraceTogether." Smart Nation Singapore, www.smartnation.gov.sg/initiatives/tracetogether.
  • "TraceTogether FAQs." Government Technology Agency, www.tracetogether.gov.sg/common-questions.