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Google and Apple Collaborate to Fight Bluetooth Tracker Misuse

Apple and Google partners to overcome illicit Bluetooth tracking in response to AirTags stalking incidents while alerting users of unknown trackers.

Starting this week, Apple and Google users will receive an update that will provide them with instant alerts while identifying if any unknown wireless tracking device appears to follow them. This update comes in response to growing concerns about the illicit use of tracking devices like Apple’s AirTags, particularly for stalking purposes.

Apple and Google have worked together to roll out the industry-grade features on their devices, which are called “Detecting Unwanted Location Trackers.” This update will be available on devices running iOS 17.5 on iPhones and 6.0 or newer versions on Android smartphones.

According to the announcements from Apple and Google, updated iPhones and Android smartphones will show alerts to warn users when a wireless tracking device is nearby, in case they are unaware of being monitored or want to stop it.

This prompt response to emerging privacy concerns shows the commitment of two tech giants to taking customers’ security concerns seriously. However, these innovative devices are beneficial in finding lost objects, yet are mainly employed to carry out criminal activities.

Devices from both companies will now revive a message informing them that a wireless tracker is “found moving with you.” In addition, users can also play a sound to make it easier for them to find the nearby wireless tracking devices while accessing instructions on how to disable them.

Apple AirTag was first launched in 2021, and they quickly found a vast audience among their loyal customers who would attach the tiny trackers to their belongings, allowing them to use the company’s global network of devices and crowdsourced Bluetooth signals to locate or find lost objects instantly. However, many users have reported that criminals have tagged them using trackers to stalk them. Since then, Apple has collaborated with Google to embed warning prompts into smartphones to clump down its misuse. 

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The post Google and Apple Collaborate to Fight Bluetooth Tracker Misuse appeared first on Press Connect.

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