Apple and Google have today announced a new joint proposal for an industry-standard specification that will help stop unwanted tracking through devices like AirTags.
"Location-tracking devices help users find personal items like their keys, purse, luggage, and more through crowdsourced finding networks. However, they can also be misused for unwanted tracking of individuals," an Apple press release stated.
The proposal is designed "to help combat the misuse of Bluetooth location-tracking devices for unwanted tracking," and will allow unauthorized tracking detection of devices from the likes of Tile, Chipolo, and of course Apple's own AirTags.
Unwanted tracking
Ron Huang, Apple’s vice president of Sensing and Connectivity, stated that while AirTags give users "the peace of mind knowing where to find their most important items" the company wants to ensure "the technology is being used as intended" and says the move is a " critical step forward to help combat unwanted tracking across iOS and Android."
It comes as stories of unsolicited tracking, especially in domestic settings, using Apple's AirTags have proliferated ever since their release. While the AirTags have protections on iPhone against unwanted tracking, these are less robust on Android, and their discrete nature makes them very hard to find.
The specification submitted today will be subject to three months of review and comment, whereupon Apple and Google "will partner to address feedback, and will release a production implementation of the specification for unwanted tracking alerts by the end of 2023 that will then be supported in future versions of iOS and Android." That could include iOS 17, expected to be unveiled at WWDC 2023 later this year.
