New research finds that over 50% of US broadband households are willing to share smartphone data to aid in COVID-19 contact tracing, while another 20% could be convinced provided privacy protections are in place.
The research, conducted by the Parks Associates market research company, also tracked changes in consumer attitudes and adoption of telehealth services as a result of COVID-19 as well as measuring future interest in telehealth services once the pandemic is over.
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The study found that Americans who experienced COVID-19 symptoms were more willing to share smartphone data to aid in contact tracing than those who have not experienced symptoms. Still, nearly half of those who have not experienced symptoms are willing to share their smartphone data.
"Apple and Google have together developed an API and framework that developers, in partnership with public health officials and other stakeholders, can use to build contact-tracing apps," said senior analyst Kristen Hanich.
As for the other aspect of the study, Hanich pointed out that the study found that use of telehealth services nearly tripled year-over-year, with 41% of US broadband households having used a telehealth service in the past 12 months.
"This increased usage of telehealth services comes as many consumers are unable – or unwilling – to visit a physician in person due to widespread efforts to minimize in-person contact with patients. It is a dramatic switch for both care providers and telehealth services," she noted.
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