RIYADH — The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) has launched a special version of the "Tabaud" (social distancing) application meant for Android devices. The app, launched with the cooperation of the health ministry, is a way to notify those who are in contact with infected people. The application sends camouflaged identifiers data to the smart phones using the same application, which were registered during the contact with infected people with coronavirus, It is accompanied by the data of the infected people devices, in accordance with the policies that the two international companies (Google and Apple) devised, while maintaining the full privacy of users. Now users of OS6 Android devices and above can download the app via Google Play Store, a Saudi Press Agency report said. The SDAIA has urged all citizens and residents to download the "Tabaud" and "Tawakkalna" apps as they are beneficial in creating healthy smart environments in workplaces, businesses, crowded public places and commercial areas frequented by shoppers. The app does not need to connect to the Internet most of the time because it works according to Bluetooth technology and data are saved in the device, but it needs to connect to the Internet when opening the application to receive updates and notifications. Saudi Arabia has achieved yet another milestone in its efforts to confront the spread of COVID-19 by utilizing modern technology. The Kingdom ranked third internationally in using "Exposure Notification" technology, which was developed by Apple and Google. The feature aims to notify users if they have been exposed to COVID-19 virus. SDAIA has contributed during the pandemic to supporting government efforts, especially security and health sectors through the Operations Center for supporting security and health sectors, as well as providing technical solutions such as Tawakkalna application and Boroog System.
