Apple and Google have come together to combat the serious threat of unconsented tracking. The two companies submitted a draft proposal on Tuesday to the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) regarding “a first-of-its-kind specification” which will alert users of unauthorized tracking devices.
Apple and Google have decided to come together to combat unwanted tracking that has become prevalent in the largely digital world of the 21st century. Both the companies are planning to counter unwanted tracking through gadgets such as AirTags, Tile, Chipolo, etc.
Apple and Google lead the software market with the majority of the smartphones powered by Apple’s iOS or Google’s Android. The two companies submitted a proposal on Tuesday regarding setting standards for eliminating unconsented tracking using Bluetooth devices. Samsung is also supporting Google and Apple along with other tracking gadgets such as Tile , Chipolo, and Pebblebee.
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Apple and Google submitted their draft proposal to IETF on Tuesday
Bluetooth is one of the most well known channels that allows people to track their belongings such as keys, luggage, lost phone, etc. But in recent times, the technology is being widely misused by stalkers to stalk other people.
Apple’s AirTag, which was released in 2021, became an extremely popular device ever since its launch but the device has also been heavily misused. Police have reported stalkers using the device to stalk their past love interests and other people without them being aware of being stalked.
Google’s vice-president of Engineering (Android) Dave Burke said in a statement “Bluetooth trackers have created tremendous user benefits, but they also bring the potential of unwanted tracking.” He added that such a serious security issue warrants industry wide action to resolve.
Along with Google, Apple too has been taking the issue of unconsented tracking seriously. Since the release of Airtag and subsequently the increase of stalking, Apple has released various measures such as notifications which alert users if an AirTag not associated with their device is tracking them.
Now Apple and Google have come together to stand against the security threat. The companies have submitted their plan to the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). The plan once finalized is expected to be delivered to the public through software updates on both iOS and Android devices. IETF is an organization that is responsible for maintaining standards on the internet.
The new specification will be a “first-of-its-kind”
Apple on their newsroom site have announced that Apple and Google have come together to create a “first-of-its–kind specification” that will alert users of unauthorized tracking devices.
AirTags, launched by Apple in 2021, allow users to attach it to their personal belongings such as keys and backpacks. It helps users track their belongings in case they are lost or stolen.
Apple’s vice president of Sensing and Connectivity Ron Huang said in a statement that “Apple launched AirTag to give users the peace of mind knowing where to find their most important items.” But the widely used technology has also allowed for unethical tracking and security concerns for multiple people involved.
The new specification takes strong ground against such a misuse of gadgets such as AirTags and will ensure better safety for all involved. Apple further added that Samsung, eufy Security, Chipolo, Tile, and Pebblebee have also expressed support for the new specification.
The specification will also allow for feedback from multiple smart devices manufacturers and security groups to enhance the overall performance of the specification.
