(WXYZ) — Do you have an iPhone? There's a lot of confusion these days over its COVID-19 tracking feature. Some people want it, some don't, and a lot of people are just plain confused.
Apple's iOS 13.5 update over the summer added a COVID tracking feature to your phone. But that doesn't mean the government is spying on you, according to both Apple and reports in ZD Net and 9 to 5 Mac.
You will need to activate the system with help from a local health department.
ZD Net says you can find it by going to Settings > Privacy > Health and look for COVID-19 Exposure Logging.
It explains that an authorized app is required to turn the feature on.
But what about fears that Apple is secretly tracking you for COVID-19?
First of all, there's no truth to rumors that Apple – or the government – are checking to see if you are near people infected with the coronavirus. You have to turn the feature on for that to happen.
Also, people with the virus would have to turn that feature on, too. No smartphone can simply sniff out the virus in the air.
Bottom line: No one is tracking your iPhone for exposure to COVID-19, unless you want them to.
