[Asia Economy Reporter Dongwoo Lee] Italy is introducing a Korean-style contact tracing smartphone application to block the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).
On the 17th (local time), according to local media, Domenico Arcuri, chairman of the COVID-19 emergency response committee appointed by the Italian government, signed an administrative order in the afternoon to introduce the related app.
The contact tracing app introduced by Italy was developed by a local venture company called 'Bending Spoons.' It is Bluetooth-based, and its basic operation method is similar to that of Korean apps.
When a citizen is confirmed positive for COVID-19, the app is designed to send warning messages to people who have been in contact with them and advise self-quarantine or virus testing. The identities of the related individuals are handled anonymously.
The authorities plan to seek voluntary cooperation from the public without making app installation and operation mandatory, in accordance with the European Union (EU) personal data regulations. Experts predict that at least 60% of Italy's population of 60 million must use the app for it to be effective.
Meanwhile, as of this date, Italy's cumulative confirmed COVID-19 cases total 172,434, ranking third after the United States and Spain. The death toll is 22,745, the second highest after the United States.
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