Apple and Google team up to stop unwanted AirTag tracking

Apple and Google mentioned on Tuesday that they have been working collectively to forestall misplaced merchandise trackers like Apple’s AirTag from getting used to trace individuals with out their permission.

The firms got here collectively to draft a brand new trade customary that may add the power to alert victims to undesirable trackers in Android and iOS, the businesses mentioned.

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Apple’s AirTag is meant to assist individuals discover misplaced objects similar to keys by displaying an merchandise’s almost real-time location inside an iPhone app. But there have been many reviews concerning the $30 coin-sized gadget getting used to stalk individuals because it went on sale in 2021.

In response, Apple beforehand constructed detection options into iPhones that permit customers to detect unfamiliar AirTags within the consumer’s space.

Tuesday’s announcement means that Android telephones may also quickly acquire the power to warn their customers if they’re being tracked by an AirTag.

Apple and Google mentioned the options can be accomplished by the tip of 2023 after which carried out “in future versions of iOS and Android.”

The change may also permit different misplaced merchandise trackers, like these made by Samsung or Tile, to construct related iPhone and Android alert options.