In an audacious initiative, tech behemoths Google and Apple have issued a joint statement stressing location trackers surveillance as the next enemy and pledging their efforts to combat it. This ground-breaking initiative will tackle the misuse of Bluetooth relays such as Apple’s AirTag that are used to trace objects that are lost or stolen albeit with a positive intent. However, a few of them have been used by malicious people for stalking and harassing purposes.
This announcement is made to rally behind the reports of tracking people without their permission and consent using these wireless devices which are becoming so common. Google and Apple are taking a confident move together to give users the appropriate tools for detecting and removing some unauthorized tracking activities.
At the heart of this initiative is a comprehensive update to both the iOS and Android operating systems. With the release of iOS 17.5 and Android version 6.0 or newer, users will receive a prominent alert letting them know when a Bluetooth tracker is “found moving with you.” This proactive measure ensures that individuals are made aware of any potential tracking devices in their vicinity, allowing them to take immediate action if needed.
“Users can then have the tracker play a sound to make it easier to find, and access instructions on how to disable it,” the companies stated, emphasizing their commitment to empowering users with the knowledge and resources to safeguard their privacy.
The partnership is not limited to software updates only, because Google and Apple cooperate on both the development of a public industry specification for Bluetooth tracker devices and the working group that establishes the specification. This coinvented framework will be employed to ensure that all these companies assembling such devices must strictly follow the guidelines while including adequate safeguards to avoid misuse.
“Apple and Google said they were working together to create a public industry specification for these kinds of Bluetooth tracker devices, but although the official standard is not finished, both companies have implemented the alerts into their operating systems,” the announcement reads, underscoring the urgency of addressing this pressing issue.
The introduction of tracking tools like Apple’s AirTag has ushered in a new era in finding misplaced or lost items. However, the potential for misuse has sparked off widespread debate, drawing attention to the ethical conflict. By joining forces, Google and Apple are demonstrating a true leadership position by being responsive and implementing strong security measures to neutralize the threat of these technologies being abused for evil purposes.
As the world becomes more connected, online protection of personal data and safety has become the most critical issue for companies working with technology. This mutual effort between Google and Apple is also a great testament that this industry is trying to get ahead of the risks and create a digital space that the people are confident to use.
Combining their unique experiences and offering cutting edge solutions, these big tech companies are clearly on the edge to transform the thinking of location tracker safety among users, giving them the confidence to hold their privacy which is not at loggerheads of modern tracking technologies.