May 14, 2024 10:29:00

Apple and Google announce standard to warn users about unknown Bluetooth devices tracking them

Since the release of Apple's lost item tracker '

AirTag ', there have been frequent reports of stalking using the device. In response to this, Apple and Google have announced a standard called ' nuisance location tracker detection '. This makes it possible to warn users if an unknown Bluetooth device is detected as tracking them.

Apple and Google deliver support for unwanted tracking alerts in iOS and Android - Apple
https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2024/05/apple-and-google-deliver-support-for-unwanted-tracking-alerts-in-ios-and-android/

Google Online Security Blog: Google and Apple deliver support for unwanted tracking alerts in Android and iOS
https://security.googleblog.com/2024/05/google-and-apple-deliver-support-for.html

Apple and Google agree on standard to alert people when unknown Bluetooth devices may be tracking them | TechCrunch
https://techcrunch.com/2024/05/13/apple-and-google-agree-on-standard-to-alert-people-when-unknown-bluetooth-devices-may-be-tracking-them/

Apple and Google have announced a standard for alerting users to the presence of 'unknown Bluetooth devices' on both iOS and Android. This is to prevent Bluetooth devices from being misused to track users. Apple has implemented this feature in the just-released iOS 17.5. The iOS 17.5 release notes state the following:

Tracking Notifications
Cross-platform tracking detection will notify users if a Bluetooth tracker that does not belong to them is moving with them, regardless of the operating system the device is paired to.

Google has already implemented a similar feature in Android 6.0, released in June 2017.

Now, regardless of the platform the device is paired to, if an unknown Bluetooth tracking device is observed moving over time, users will receive an ''item' found moving with you' alert on their device.

Apple states, 'If a user receives this alert on their iOS device, it means that another user's AirTag,

Find My network-enabled accessory, or other industry-compatible Bluetooth tracker is traveling with the user. The tracker may be attached to an item the user is borrowing, but if not, your iPhone will display the tracker's identifier, play a sound on the tracker to help you find it, and give you access to instructions for disabling it. Bluetooth tag manufacturers, including Chipolo, eufy, Jio, Motorola, and Pebblebee, are committed to making their tags compatible in the future.'

Apple also touts that both AirTags and third-party Find My accessories are designed with industry-first privacy and safety protections, and says it will continue to work to innovate and complement these protections to keep users safe.

'This cross-platform collaboration is an industry first with community and industry input, and will provide guidance and best practices to manufacturers if they choose to build unwanted tracking alerts into their products. Apple and Google will continue to work with the Internet Engineering Task Force through the 'Detection of Nuisance Location Trackers' Working Group to develop official standards for this technology,' Apple wrote.