Apple Inc. and Google LLC have announced a new initiative to address the problem of unwanted Bluetooth devices such as Apple’s AirTag.
To launch the initiative, an initial draft standard has been created. This will allow iOS and Android users to both receive alerts when Bluetooth Trackers are near. This includes those that may have been planted in the hope of stalking. AirTag is by far the most popular Bluetooth tracking device, but the standard includes all Bluetooth trackers.
AirTag, launched in 2021, was marketed as a tool that would help users find their lost items using their iPhones, Apple’s Find My App, and Apple’s worldwide network. The tags are small, and can be easily attached to items such as handbags, backpacks, keys and more.
Apple users love the idea of AirTags being used as a tracker. AirTags’ sales in December topped $1 billion. AirTags can be used to track people and find lost items.
Media hype makes it difficult to know how serious AirTag stalking is. Apple previously downplayed stalking concerns, but today’s announcement seems to confirm that it is a problem worth addressing.
The standard proposed will make Bluetooth-based location tracking devices compatible with Android and iOS platforms for unauthorized tracking detection, alerts and notifications. Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. also supports the draft specifications.
Dave Burke, Vice President of Engineering for Android at Google, stated in a blog that Bluetooth trackers are beneficial to users but also carry the risk of unwanted tracking. This is an issue that requires industry-wide solutions. Android is dedicated to protecting users. Android will work with partners in the industry to develop strong safeguards against Bluetooth tracking devices.
Ron Huang, Apple’s Vice President of Sensing and Connectivity said in a separate press release that Apple “built AirTag and Find My network with proactive features to discourage unintentional tracking… and continue to improve to ensure the technology is used as intended.”
Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) is a standard setting organization. Apple and Google invite all interested parties to review and comment on the standard over the next three months.