Positioning Digital Tracing Applications in the Management of the COVID-19 Pandemic in France

Abstract

To combat the COVID-19 pandemic, many European countries have developed a public health strategy involving the use of digital contact tracing (DCT) applications to improve timely tracking and contact tracing of COVID-19 cases. France’s independent COVID-19 Control and Society Connection Council (CCL) was established by law in May 2020 to issue advice and recommendations on the national epidemic digital systems. In this paper, we present the recommendations by the CCL, with the objective to increase the uptake and utility of French DCT applications. As the country's most vulnerable population has been subjected to greater virus exposure, a stronger impact of the lockdown, and less access to preventive and health care services, the CCL is particularly aware of health inequalities. The French DCT app TousAntiCovid had been downloaded by 13.6 million users (ie, 20% of the French population) in March 2021. To promote the use of DCT apps, the CCL has recommended that communication about the app’s individual and collective objectives be increased. The CCL has also recommended the introduction of clear, simple, accessible, incentivizing, noncoercive information within the digital tools. In addition, the CCL has recommended improving public health policies to address the needs of the underprivileged. The CCL calls for promoting population empowerment with the use of digital tools, improving public health culture for decision-makers dealing with health determinants, taking social considerations into account, and incorporating community participation.