Technology giants Apple and Google have teamed up to propose a new technology standard that aims to prevent the misuse of Bluetooth trackers like AirTags and Tile. The proposal calls for Bluetooth tracking devices to be compatible with detection and alert systems in iOS and Android mobile software, allowing individuals to identify if they are being tracked by a Bluetooth device.
Bluetooth trackers are small devices that help locate lost items such as keys or laptops. However, they have also been used by stalkers to secretly track individuals, including former partners. The proposed tech standard has garnered support from Samsung, Tile, and other companies.
The proposal comes after AirTags, created by Apple, received criticism for their potential use as a tool for stalking. AirTags are coin-sized devices that can be attached to personal belongings like keys, wallets, or backpacks, and can help users locate their belongings in real-time through a smartphone app. However, they can also be used to track the person carrying those items.
According to Erica Olsen, Senior Director of the Safety Net Project at the National Network to End Domestic Violence, unwanted surveillance is a common tactic of abuse. She notes that it is critical for advocates and technology companies to work together to minimize opportunities for the misuse of Bluetooth trackers.
If the proposed standard is adopted, Bluetooth tracking device manufacturers will have the option to integrate detection and alert capabilities into their products, giving users a means to detect if they are being tracked by a Bluetooth device and preventing the abuse of these devices.
The proposal has been commended by the Center for Democracy and Technology, with CEO Alexandra Reeve Givens stating that they “look forward to the specification moving through the standardization process.” Apple and Google’s collaboration on this proposal is viewed as a significant step forward in combating unwanted tracking across iOS and Android.
The proposed tech standard could have far-reaching implications, particularly in addressing the issue of stalking and domestic abuse. By providing a means for individuals to detect the use of Bluetooth trackers, the standard could potentially help prevent harm and provide peace of mind to those who may be at risk.
In conclusion, the proposed tech standard by Apple and Google is a positive development that could help prevent the misuse of Bluetooth trackers. If adopted, the standard could provide an additional layer of protection for individuals and help mitigate the potential harms associated with unwanted tracking.
