Apple And Google Team Up To Fight Stalkers Using AirTag

Apple launched AirTag to give users peace of mind, (photo: dock.apple)

JAKARTA - Apple and Google are working together to combat the misuse of Bluetooth location tracking devices such as AirTag and Tile, by submitting industry specifications. This specification is intended to alert users if there are unwanted tracking allegations.

Location tracking devices help users find personal items such as keys, wallets, suitcases, and others through a crowdsourced search network.

However, they can also be misused for unwanted individual tracking. The first specification of the type will make Bluetooth location tracking devices compatible with unauthorized tracking detection and warning across iOS and Android platforms.

"Apple launched AirTag to give users peace of mind where to find their most important item," said Apple vice president of Sensing and Connectivity Ron Huang in an official release, quoted Wednesday, May 3.

"This new industrial specification builds on AirTag protection, and through collaboration with Google results in an important step forward to help combat unwanted tracking on iOS and Android," he added.

Samsung, Tile, Chipolo, eufy Security, and Pebblebee have expressed support for draft specifications, which offer the best practices and instructions for manufacturers, if they choose to build this capability into their products.

Bluetooth Trackers have created tremendous benefits for users, but they also carry unwanted tracking potentials, which require action across the industry to solve them, said Google's vice president of Engineering for Android, Dave Burke.

"Android has an unshakable commitment to protecting users, and will continue to develop strong security and collaborate with industry to help combat the misuse of Bluetooth tracking devices," he continued.

In addition to including feedback from device manufacturers, input from various safety groups and advocacy has been integrated into specification development.

Currently, these specifications have been submitted as Internet-Draft via the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), a leading standard development organization. Interested parties will be invited and encouraged to review and comment over the next three months.

After the comment period, Apple and Google will partner to deal with feedback, and will release production implementation from specifications for unwanted tracking warnings by the end of 2023, then it will be supported in the upcoming versions of iOS and Android.