Google and Apple have teamed up to create a new industry standard called ‘Unwanted Location Tracker Detection’ that aims to prevent the misuse of Bluetooth tracking devices. This specification allows iOS and Android devices to alert users when unknown tracking devices are detected, helping to protect their privacy.
Bluetooth tracking devices are commonly used to find lost items like keys or wallets, but they can also be used for nefarious purposes such as tracking people without their knowledge. Popular Bluetooth tracking devices include Tile, Apple’s AirTags, and Samsung’s SmartTag. In response to concerns about potential misuse of these devices, Apple and Google announced their partnership to establish industry standards for unwanted tracking through Bluetooth devices.
The Unwanted Location Tracker Detection Industry Specification has been released and will notify users if an unknown Bluetooth tracking device is detected moving with them over time, regardless of the platform it is paired with. This means that both iOS 17.5 and Android 6.0+ devices will be able to detect any suspicious trackers in use.
If a user receives an alert about an unknown tracker, they can dismiss it if it’s a harmless item. However, if it’s a suspicious tracker, the user can access the device ID from their smartphone, make the tracker play a sound, and follow instructions to deactivate it.
To further support this standard, several Bluetooth tracker manufacturers including Chipolo, Eufy, Jio, Motorola, and Pebblebee have committed to incorporating this technology into their future products. Apple and Google are working with the Internet Engineering Working Group (IETF) on developing an official standard for this technology that will provide guidance to manufacturers on introducing unwanted tracking alert capabilities in their products.
Overall, this cross-platform collaboration aims to ensure that consumers can use Bluetooth tracking technology without fear of being unknowingly tracked by malicious actors.
