How Aarogya Setu App Can Help You Fight COVID-19

Aarogya Setu App was developed by the National Informatics Centre which is a part of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India. It is a measure taken by the govt. to control the spread of Coronavirus in India and make its information accessible to the common people.

A man wearing a facemask, amid concerns over the spread of the COVID-19 novel coronavirus, checks his mobile phone as he shops for groceries in a market in New Delhi. PIC/AFP.

Lockdown Extention Till May 3: Aarogya Setu App was developed by the National Informatics Centre which is a part of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India. It is a measure taken by the govt. to control the spread of Coronavirus in India and make its information accessible to the common people. The app is a contact tracing app that works through Bluetooth & location socio-graph. The aim of the Aarogya Setu App is to proactively reach out to and inform the users of the app regarding the risks, best practices and relevant advisories pertaining to the containment of COVID-19. After downloading, this app asks if you have a cough, fever or trouble breathing, etc. If you do not have any such problem, you will be in the Green Zone. This app tells the user to keep the mobile phone's Bluetooth and location devices on. Whenever the user visits a crowded place, this app keeps sending messages from nearby mobile phones through Bluetooth. When the user stands near someone who is also normal it shows a green zone. But if that person becomes corona positive after 10 days, this app will alert you immediately. The app's alerts are accompanied by instructions on how to self-isolate and what to do in case you develop symptoms that may need help and support. In such a situation, the user can get himself or herself checked also. This app also tells about hotspots, so that the user can change the route. Aarogya Setu App is available on both the platforms- Android and iOS. The app is available in 11 languages including English, Hindi. The app is expected to be available in more Indian languages soon. Since its launch, the Aarogya Setu app has been downloaded by more than one crore people on both Android and iPhone smartphones. There has been criticism on the nature of the app and it works, but the privacy policy clearly reads:  "We understand the nature and sensitivity of the topic and have taken strong measures to ensure that your data is not compromised. Your data will be shared only with the Government of India. The app does not allow your name and number to be disclosed to the public at large at any time," said the app.