Fraunhofer proposes German approach for proximity tracing app

The Fraunhofer Institute has developed its own proposal for a German proximity-tracing application aimed at curbing the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective is to establish a digital system that supplements existing processes within health authorities while incorporating all essential data protection measures.

The core functionality of the app relies on measuring proximity and duration of contact between mobile phones using Bluetooth technology. This enables digital notification of individuals who have been in close proximity to an infected person, identifying potential SARS-CoV-2 transmission risks. Initial project support came from Germany's Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and Federal Ministry of Health (BMG).

According to the Fraunhofer Institute, the designed system ensures that no personal data, such as location information, phone numbers, or names, are collected or processed. The app's use is voluntary and can be uninstalled at any time without the server being notified. Registration does not require personal details, adhering to data minimization principles.

Development of the app has also involved intensive collaboration with French partners to ensure full compatibility. Contributing Fraunhofer institutes include the Heinrich Hertz Institute (HHI), the Institute for Applied and Integrated Security (AISEC), and the Institute for Integrated Circuits (IIS). The system's functionality and reliability have been tested in field trials conducted with the German armed forces.