Apple and Google are collaborating on a new technology to notify users about unwanted tracking by Bluetooth trackers like AirTags. The partnership aims to develop an "industry specification for unwanted tracking" to combat unwanted tracking of objects.
More and more people are using Bluetooth trackers like AirTags to find important items like keys or wallets. Although these devices are very useful, there are concerns about unwanted tracking and stalking. To address these concerns, Apple and Google have decidedto develop a new technology that protects users from unwanted tracking by Bluetooth trackers.
Combating unwanted tracking: Apple and Google enter into partnership
iOS currently offers several features to prevent unwanted tracking and stalking by AirTags. However, these features are not available to third-party tracker providers like Tile. While Apple has developed an app called "Tracker Detect" to locate AirTags with a nearby Android device, the app does not scan for nearby accessories in the background. Instead, it only scans the user's surroundings when the user initiates the scan. To address these limitations, Apple and Google are working together on new technology to notify users of unwanted tracking by Bluetooth trackers like AirTags.
New industry standard for unwanted tracking by Bluetooth trackers
As part of the partnership, Apple and Google will develop an "Industry Specification for Unauthorized Tracking" to combat the misuse of item trackers. This specification has been submitted as an Internet Draft to the Internet Engineering Task Force. The technology developed by the two companies will enable Bluetooth tracking devices on iOS and Android to detect and report unauthorized tracking. In addition to Apple and Google, other companies such as Samsung, Tile, Chipolo, Eufy, and Pebblebee have expressed interest in supporting this technology. The draft specification provides best practices and guidance for manufacturers who want to incorporate these features into their products.
Conclusion
The partnership between Apple and Google to combat unwanted tracking by Bluetooth trackers is an important step to protect users' privacy and security. The new technology will enable Bluetooth tracking devices to detect and report unwanted tracking. The release of a production-ready implementation of the unwanted tracking alert specification by the end of 2023 and future support in iOS and Android show that Apple and Google are committed to protecting users from unwanted tracking. (Image: Apple)
