CUPERTINO, Calif., Tuesday, May 21, 2024 – Apple and Google On May 13, announced a joint effort to combat the misuse of Bluetooth tracking devices, according to a press release from Apple.1
The companies announced that they have developed an industry standard called “Detecting Unwanted Location Trackers” that allows both iOS and Android devices to alert users if an unknown tracking device is following them.
The initiative aims to mitigate the potential dangers associated with these devices, which are primarily designed to help locate lost belongings.
The new functionality will be implemented in iOS 17.5, currently available, and on Android devices running version 6.0 or later.
With this update, users will receive an alert on their phone if an unidentified Bluetooth tracker is detected moving with them over a period of time. The notification, “[Item] Found Moving With You,” will appear regardless of the platform the tracker is paired with.
For iPhone users, the alert could indicate that someone else’s AirTag, a Find My Accessory, or another compatible tracker is traveling with them.
While the tracker could be attached to a borrowed item, Apple offers additional features to address potential misuse. iPhone users can view the tracker’s identifier, activate a sound to locate it, and access instructions for disabling it.
“AirTag and third-party Find My network accessories were designed from the beginning with industry-leading privacy and safety features,” the statement reads. “Apple remains committed to developing and enhancing these protections to ensure user safety.”
This collaboration between Apple and Google marks the first industry-wide standard for unwanted tracking alerts.
The initiative also incorporates feedback from industry partners and offers best practices for manufacturers looking to integrate similar functionalities into their products. Both companies plan to continue working with the Internet Engineering Task Force to develop a formal standard for this technology.
- Unwanted Tracking: https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2024/05/apple-and-google-deliver-support-for-unwanted-tracking-alerts-in-ios-and-android/[↩]
