ROOM8's new in-app video calling and virtual property tours allow users to find roommates and apartments safely and securely while social distancing

Countries are experimenting with both high- and low-tech ways to enforce lockdowns or self-quarantines. WSJ reporters in Rome, New York and Hong Kong compare their isolation experiences to show how some governments are willing to impose stricter measures to stop the virus.

When eBay first launched its API back in 2000, the Wall Street Journal wrote: “EBay’s new technology – with the decidedly uncatchy name of eBay API (for eBay application programming interface) – reflects the company’s growing belief that it can get a piece of e-commerce beyond the confines of its popular online trading post at eBay.com.” Twenty years ago this was a belief but today, as more and more industry lines are being blurred, API-based insurance is gaining popularity. After all, it’s wiser to enable outside entrants to be your partners than sit behind and watch them turn into your competitors.