London: Britain on Thursday said it would switch to Apple and Google technology for its test-and-trace app, ditching its current system in a U-turn for the troubled programme.The test-and-trace programme is seen as a key measure to reopen the country, but has also been dogged by criticism after the nationwide roll-out of a National Health Service (NHS)-developed smartphone app slipped from the last month towards the end of the year.Apple and Google have been in talks with Britain about the technology, which uses a decentralised model.
The firms have barred authorities using their technology from collecting GPS location data or requiring users to enter personal data.Those running the programme admitted that the change of tack was unplanned.