Premier Kenney wants federal government to remove barriers to resolve tracing app issues

EDMONTON – Alberta Premier Jason Kenney says the province has been working to fix issues Apple users face when using the ABTraceTogether app.

To resolve the issue the province has to work with Google and Apple, however, the premier accused the federal government of interfering with those discussions.

“The government of Canada has told Google and Apple not to work with the government of Alberta,” he said.

“They’ve done so because they say they want co-operation on a single national platform, but there isn’t one.”

Alberta has made repeated requests for the federal government to remove the barrier to allow tech companies to improve the functionality of the app.

Kenney says they have regular conversations with Ottawa over the subject, and there has been no progress.

“By standing in the way of us and the large tech companies, they are effectively reducing the functionality of an app which can help us in the midst of a public health crisis,” he said.

The app uses Bluetooth technology to identify nearby smartphones who also have the app installed, however, this function only works on iPhones if it is open and the phone is unlocked.

Alberta’s privacy commissioner released a report on Thursday stating the ABTraceTogether app had many positive aspects but was concerned over the security risk to apple users.

“Running the app on Apple devices requires a device to remain unlocked, which significantly increases risk in case of theft or loss,” said Information and Privacy Commissioner Jill Clayton.

The ABTraceTogether app was launched May 1, by the province and Alberta Health Services to help slow transmission and reduce the spread of COVID-19.

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