Apple and Google say they have jointly submitted an industry specification to help combat the misuse of Bluetooth location-tracking devices
Posted Date – Tue, 02 May 23 at 11:59pm
New Delhi: In a unique collaboration to protect the misuse of location-tracking devices, Apple and Google said Tuesday they have jointly submitted an industry specification to help combat the misuse of Bluetooth location-tracking devices for unwanted tracking.
The first-of-its-kind specification will allow Bluetooth location tracking devices to be compatible with unauthorized tracking detection and alerts across iOS and Android platforms.
Samsung, Tile, Chipolo, eufy Security and Pebblebee have expressed support for the draft specification, which provides best practices and instructions for manufacturers.
“Apple introduced AirTags to give users peace of mind knowing where to find their most important items,” said Ron Huang, Apple’s vice president of sensing and connectivity.
“This new industry specification builds on AirTag protection and, through our partnership with Google, is a critical step forward to help combat unwanted tracking across iOS and Android,” added Huang.
The specification has been submitted through the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), a leading standards development organization, for review and comment over the next three months.
“Bluetooth trackers offer enormous benefits to users, but they also introduce the potential for unwanted tracking, which requires industry-wide action to address,” said Dave Burke, Google’s vice president of Android engineering.
“Android has an unwavering commitment to protecting users and will continue to develop strong protections and work with the industry to help combat the misuse of Bluetooth tracking devices,” he added.
Apple and Google said input from various security and advocacy groups was incorporated into the specification, in addition to feedback from device makers.
