Google and Apple seek to combat unwanted tracking with Bluetooth tracking devices

May 2. (Portaltic/EP) –

Google and Apple have teamed up to set industry standards to help combat unwanted tracking through bluetooth tracking devices like Airtags.

Devices such as Tile, Apple AirTags or Samsung Smart Tags are used to locate everyday objects such as backpacks, keys or wallets in case of loss and with the help of a mobile app.

However, malicious uses have also been detected, where a person’s location or activity is tracked, often without their knowledge or consent.

This is precisely the use that companies such as Google and Apple intend to combat, with the support of firms such as Samsung, Tile or Eufy, which have joined in an initiative with which they seek to establish standards in the industry.

The objective is to develop a set of good practices and protocols that manufacturers of these Bluetooth devices can implement so that both Android and iOS offer alerts in the event that unauthorized monitoring is detected with them.

“This is an important ability to improve the privacy and security of individuals in the circumstance that these accessories are used to track their location without their knowledge or consent,” they point out in the website of the initiativewhere a draft with specifications has already been shared for your review.