The government is considering using an app to track the coronavirus in japan. This app will allow people to know if they came in contact with someone with the virus.
Japan will not be the first country to use the app as Singapore and Australia have been using the app. The Japanese app will have similarities to the contact tracing app developed by the Singaporean government. The app will detect and record nearby phones that have the app installed. When one of the users is diagnosed as infected with the coronavirus, an alert message will be sent to those who have been in close contact with the infected person.
This sounds ideal however, with all the privacy issues and concerns around the world people believe a decentralized app would be best. In this regard, Google and Apple are at the frontline of the decentralization battle. They are currently working on an application programming interface (API) which will allow the public to take matters in their own hands.
I think this is the away to go as a central system may create hysteria. Also, a centralized system is more likely to attract hackers. At this point, I think we are unlikely to avoid being tracked but as for me, I would rather be in control of when I am traced. How about you?