New Delhi: On Tuesday, Apple and Google announced a collaborative effort aimed at preventing the misuse of location-tracking devices.
As part of this effort, the two companies have jointly developed an industry specification to combat the issue of unwanted tracking using Bluetooth location-tracking devices.
This new specification, which is the first of its kind, will enable these devices to work with unauthorized tracking detection and alerts on both iOS and Android platforms.
Several companies including Samsung, Tile, Chipolo, eufy Security, and Pebblebee have voiced their backing for the industry specification proposed by Apple and Google.
This draft specification outlines best practices and instructions for manufacturers to help combat unwanted tracking using Bluetooth location-tracking devices.
According to Ron Huang, Apple’s Vice President of Sensing and Connectivity, the AirTag was introduced to offer users the reassurance of knowing the location of their valuable items.
Ron Huang, Apple’s Vice President of Sensing and Connectivity, has stated that the new industry specification is an important step forward in the fight against unwanted tracking across both iOS and Android platforms.
He also noted that the specification has been developed in collaboration with Google and builds upon the existing protections of Apple’s AirTag.
The specification has been submitted to the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), a prominent organization responsible for developing technical standards, for a review period of three months, during which feedback and comments will be collected.
According to Dave Burke, Google’s Vice President of Engineering for Android, while Bluetooth trackers have brought significant benefits to users, they also pose a risk of unwanted tracking, which necessitates a collaborative effort across the industry to address.
Dave Burke, Vice President of Engineering for Android, has emphasized the importance of protecting users and affirmed Android’s unwavering commitment to developing robust safeguards to combat the misuse of Bluetooth tracking devices.
He also expressed a willingness to work collaboratively with industry players to tackle the issue.
Both Apple and Google have stated that the specification’s development has involved input not just from device manufacturers, but also from various safety and advocacy groups.
The feedback and insights gathered from these groups have been integrated into the specification’s development to ensure that it addresses the needs and concerns of a broad range of stakeholders.
