AirTag Stalking Solutions: Apple And Google Submit Proposal To Keep Users Safe

Apple Inc. AAPL and Alphabet Inc. GOOG GOOGL have jointly submitted a proposal aimed at combating unwanted tracking via Bluetooth location-tracking devices like AirTag. 

What Happened: AirTag, which gained popularity following its 2021 release, has proven to be an easy tool for stalkers to track unsuspecting individuals unaware of the monitoring. 

Now, Apple and Google are collaboratively working towards preventing unsolicited tracking via devices such as AirTags. 

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The idea is to develop a new industry standard to counter surveillance using Bluetooth location-tracking devices. The tech giants plan to have a solution by year-end and have submitted a draft to the Internet Engineering Task Force. 

The update would be distributed via software updates to iOS and Android phones. 

The joint proposal is supported by Samsung Electronics Co, Ltd SSNLF and companies producing tracking products similar to AirTag, including Tile, Chipolo and Pebblebee. 

“Bluetooth trackers have created tremendous user benefits, but they also bring the potential of unwanted tracking, which requires industrywide action to solve,” said Dave Burke, Google’s vice president of engineering for Android.

“This new industry specification builds upon the AirTag protections, and through collaboration with Google results in a critical step forward to help combat unwanted tracking across iOS and Android,” said Ron Huang, Apple’s vice president of Sensing and Connectivity. 

Why It’s Important: Following concerns about AirTags being misused, Apple previously announced new updates to its AirTag tracking devices and “Find My Network,” including a feature to alert users if they are being tracked without their consent. 

Users can take certain precautionary measures before contacting the authorities to avoid being tracked.

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