May 14, 2024 at 11:12AM
Apple and Google jointly announced a new privacy feature, “Detecting Unwanted Location Trackers,” for Android and iOS users. The feature alerts users when an unknown Bluetooth tracking device is travelling with them, with a joint industry specification for such devices. Users can receive alerts and take action to disable the tracking device.
Key takeaways from the meeting notes:
– Apple and Google have jointly announced a new privacy feature called “Detecting Unwanted Location Trackers” that warns Android and iOS users when an unknown Bluetooth tracking device is traveling with them.
– The feature has started rolling out on Apple devices as part of iOS 17.5 and on Android 6.0+ devices.
– The companies disclosed in May 2023 that they were working together to create a joint draft specification titled ‘Detecting Unwanted Location Trackers.’
– Users will receive alerts stating “[Item] Found Moving With You” on iPhones, and Android users will receive a similar alert titled “Tracker traveling with you” if an unknown Bluetooth tracking device is detected.
– Clicking on the alerts will display the tracker’s identifier and allow the user to play a noise on the tracker if supported, as well as instructions on how to disable the tracking device.
– The feature is already compatible with AirTag and third-party Find My network accessories, and other companies like Chipolo, eufy, Jio, Motorola, and Pebblebee have committed to making future products compatible.
– However, older tracking devices that do not support the specification will continue to be able to track people without being detected by the new feature.
– Bluetooth tracking devices have been abused by abusers and stalkers to track a person’s location without their knowledge, and Apple had previously included features to find nearby AirTag devices, but victims reported delays of up to 12 hours in receiving warnings.
Let me know if there are any other specific details or information you need from the meeting notes!