Apple recently introduced its first version of exposure notification API. The API has been designed to allow apps developed by public health authorities to notify users who come into contact with COVID-19 victims. The Exposure Notification will let a user know if they have been exposed to the virus. The beta was recently released and if you have installed the latest beta on your iPhone or iPad, you can make use of the feature right now.
How you can toggle off Exposure Notifications in iOS 13.5.
If you’re concerned about privacy, Apple says there is no personally identifiable information that will be shared with the public health authorities including location data. Since the exposure notification feature is enabled by default, you can always opt-out of it once you have upgraded to iOS 13.5, but you can disable Exposure Notifications in Settings.
First launch the Settings app.
Scroll down and select Privacy
Select Health.
Select COVID-19 Exposure Notifications and toggle it Off.
According to Apple, the purpose of adding this feature is to limit the spread of COVID-19. It will notify users who have been exposed to the virus so they can isolate themselves from the world. They will also get recommendations from local health authorities.
If you wish to re-enable Exposure Notifications on iOS 13.5, follow the same steps as listed above and toggle it back on. iOS 13.5 is available as a beta currently and will be rolled out to users in the coming weeks. The beta also brings bug fixes and performance enhancements.
In order to receive Exposure Notifications, you also have to download a dedicated app from the public health authority that makes use of the API. If you have the toggle enabled but don’t have the app installed, you will not receive any Exposure Notifications.
