By: Nick Gambino
Bluetooth trackers like AirTags and Tiles are a great way to keep track of your keys, your wallet or any other valuable item. That’s the upside of this nifty technology, but there is a downside. A darkside if you will. Bluetooth trackers can be used to track someone without their knowledge. There have been numerous reported cases of this kind of eerie stalking.
On Tuesday, Apple and Google released a joint statement where they lay out their solution to this serious problem. In their statement they detail a proposed industry standard that will alert people on their phones or other devices if they’re being tracked by Bluetooth.
“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,” the joint statement reads. “Samsung, Tile, Chipolo, eufy Security, and Pebblebee have expressed support for the draft specification, which offers best practices and instructions for manufacturers, should they choose to build these capabilities into their products.”
In reading through the draft specification put out by Apple and Google it’s unclear exactly what this technology is that will allow users to be notified when they’re being tracked. The internet document does lay out a lot of best practices and musts for any Bluetooth trackers going forward. I guess by implementing these specifications it will allow both companies to deploy their own proprietary technology in iPhones and Android devices so as to work in tandem with the tracker to create a new alert-tracking system.
The draft specification is up for people to read and the tech companies are encouraging any interested parties to review it and leave comments over the next three months. This will help them gather all feedback before moving forward toward implementation across the industry. A production implementation is expected by the end of 2023.
