Apple and Google are working together with other tech companies to combat the misuse of Bluetooth location-tracking devices like AirTags and Tile when they are used to stalk individuals.
The two tech giants have jointly submitted an industry specification which can help prevent misuse of these tracking devices – usually used to keep track of keys, bags and other personal items – from being used to unknowingly track people.
This first-of-its-kind specification will make the Bluetooth location-tracking products like AirTags to work with unauthorised tracking detection and alerts across both iOS and Android platforms.
Samsung, Tile, Chipolo, Eufy Security and Pebblebee will also be supporting the move which will then recommend best practises and instructions for manufacturers if they decide to build these capabilities into their future products
“Apple launched AirTag to give users the peace of mind knowing where to find their most important items,” said Ron Huang, Apple’s vice president of Sensing and Connectivity.
“We built AirTag and the Find My network with a set of proactive features to discourage unwanted tracking — a first in the industry — and we continue to make improvements to help ensure the technology is being used as intended.
“This new industry specification builds upon the AirTag protections, and through collaboration with Google, results in a critical step forward to help combat unwanted tracking across iOS and Android.”
Dave Burke, Google’s vice president of Engineering for Android, says Bluetooth trackers, while offering beneficial features, also bring the potential of unwanted tracking.
“Android has an unwavering commitment to protecting users and will continue to develop strong safeguards and collaborate with the industry to help combat the misuse of Bluetooth tracking devices.,” Burke says.
Input into this initiative has also been sought from safety and advocacy groups to help fully develop the specification.
“The National Network to End Domestic Violence has been advocating for universal standards to protect survivors — and all people — from the misuse of Bluetooth tracking devices,” said Erica Olsen, the National Network to End Domestic Violence’s senior director of its Safety Net Project. This collaboration and the resulting standards are a significant step forward.
“NNEDV is encouraged by this progress. These new standards will minimise opportunities for abuse of this technology and decrease the burden on survivors in detecting unwanted trackers.
“We are grateful for these efforts and look forward to continuing to work together to address unwanted tracking and misuse.”
Last year Apple issued an AirTag update to eliminate unwanted tracking of people or other people’s property.
Apple built the first ever proactive system to alert people of unwanted tracking as part of its Find My network.
If an individual is being tracked with an AirTag that doesn’t belong to them, they will receive an alert.
There are also several Android apps that can offer the same detection of unwanted tracking with an AirTag.
