A 'secret' Covid-19 tracker is appearing on smartphones - here's why it's nothing to worry about

Smartphone users have complained of a new coronavirus tracing feature appearing on their phones, despite not knowingly downloading any updates.

Recent updates to both iOS and Android devices brought with them the Exposure Notification API, and it appears that some weeks on, users are noticing a new, 'Covid-19 Exposure Logging' function on their phones.

However, this feature is not a new app in and of itself, and the API (Application Programming Interface) serves only to allow future coronavirus contact tracing apps to work on the devices.

Since the UK doesn't have a working contract tracing app, the new function makes no difference to Brits' phones.

The UK's future contact tracing app will use Bluetooth technology to track phones that are within close proximity to each other, allowing health officials to easily identify anyone who has been close to someone with Covid-19.

Here's everything you need to know:

What is the new 'tracker'?

iOS and Google's Android operating systems run on 98 per cent of phones and tablets globally, and earlier in the year, the two tech giants announced a partnership to help in fighting the spread of Covid-19.

The joint effort to permit devices to be used for contact tracing will enable authorities to track people who have been exposed to coronavirus carriers.

Since the Exposure Notification API is not an app, it cannot make any changes or do anything to your phone until a compatible programme is installed.

The Covid-19 Exposure Logging function is disabled by default in territories where a workable contact tracing app is not available, such as the UK.

Its settings page says it can "exchange random IDs with other devices using Bluetooth," but only "when enabled".

It's not something that will be apparent to many users, and seems to have been 'discovered' by eagle-eyed tech fans attempting to diagnose problems with their handsets.

The initial phase of the roll-out requires users to download apps from public health authorities in order to enable contact tracing on their devices.

Apple and Google have said that they plan to do away with the need for dedicated apps and bake "a broader, Bluetooth-based contact tracing platform" into their operating systems directly, but that should be available "in the coming months."

Should I be worried?