To tackle unwanted tracking using Bluetooth location-tracking devices, Apple and Google have teamed up for a proposed industry specification. The companies said they are seeking input from industry participants and advocacy groups while other tracker makers, like Samsung, Tile, Chipolo, eufy Security and Pebblebee, have expressed interest in the draft.
The specification will allow Bluetooth location-tracking devices to be compatible with unauthorised tracking detection and alerts across iOS and Android platforms.
Apple and Google have submitted a proposed specification as an Internet-Draft through Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), a standards development organisation. Parties that are interested can review and comment over the next three months, following which Apple and Google will offer feedback and will release a production implementation of the specification by year’s end that will be supported in future versions of iOS and Android.
“Apple launched AirTag to give users the peace of mind knowing where to find their most important items. 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,” said Ron Huang, Apple’s vice-president of Sensing and Connectivity.
AirTag wasn’t the first Bluetooth tracker in the market that some users have misused. What sets Apple apart is the ability to integrate AirTag with the over two billion Apple devices globally as part of its Find My.
There have been cases where trackers have been used to stalk people. In February 2022, Apple said it would work to address some of the problems. Unwanted tracking has always been a problem. “It’s why the Find My network is built with privacy in mind, uses end-to-end encryption, and why we innovated with the first-ever proactive system to alert you of unwanted tracking,” the company had said. There were quite a few updates, like new privacy warnings during AirTag setup and addressing alert issues for AirPods.
“Bluetooth trackers have created tremendous user benefits, but they also bring the potential of unwanted tracking, which requires industrywide action to solve,” said Dave Burke, Google’s vice-president of Engineering for Android. “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.”