Apple, Google Partner to Address AirTag Safety Concerns
AirTags were created to help track personal items, but Apple has acknowledged they have been used to attempt stalking or theft. Photo: Elizabeth Smelov By Jennifer Calfas May 2, 2023 11:46 am ET Apple and Google are collaborating to address safety concerns and risks with location-tracking devices such as AirTags. The companies said Tuesday they have proposed a new industry specification that would improve the ability to detect and alert unwanted tracking on iOS and Android devices. Apple, through its AirTag and other Find My network
AirTags were created to help track personal items, but Apple has acknowledged they have been used to attempt stalking or theft. Photo: Elizabeth Smelov
Apple and Google are collaborating to address safety concerns and risks with location-tracking devices such as AirTags.
The companies said Tuesday they have proposed a new industry specification that would improve the ability to detect and alert unwanted tracking on iOS and Android devices.
Apple, through its AirTag and other Find My network accessories, already offers warnings over unwanted tracking. But that feature isn’t open to tracking devices that operate on other networks. The proposed requirements and recommendations would extend the capabilities of alerting individuals of nearby tracking devices across the industry.
Companies with similar tracking devices, including , Tile, Chipolo, Eufy Security and Pebblebee, “have expressed support for the draft specification,” according to a statement.
“Bluetooth trackers have created tremendous user benefits, but they also bring the potential of unwanted tracking, which requires industrywide action to solve,” Dave Burke, vice president of engineering for Android at Google, said.
Apple has said it is aware of people using AirTags for ‘malicious or criminal purposes.’
Photo: APPLE/Agence France-Presse/Getty Images
The collaboration marks the latest effort to address privacy and safety concerns posed by devices such as the AirTag, Apple’s lightweight Bluetooth tracking device intended to help keep tabs on luggage, wallets or keys. Police departments in New York and Iowa, for example, have received reports of AirTags placed on the vehicles of unsuspecting owners.
Apple said in 2022 it was aware of “bad actors attempting to misuse AirTag for malicious or criminal purposes.” The company said at the time a software update would make alerts more clear about when an AirTag was following someone.
Apple in 2021 released an app to detect unwanted AirTag tracking for Android devices.
Apple and Google said in a press release Tuesday the companies worked with safety and advocacy groups, as well as device manufacturers, to create their proposed industry specification.
Write to Jennifer Calfas at [email protected]
What's Your Reaction?
