“Apple and Google Collaborate to Curb Misuse of Bluetooth Trackers”

Apple and Google have joined forces to prevent the misuse of Bluetooth tracking devices such as AirTags for stalking people without their consent. The tech giants have released a proposal to establish standards to prevent such misuse and ensure the privacy and safety of individuals. Samsung, Tile, Chipolo, and Pebblebee have also endorsed the proposal. The goal is to develop software that notifies users via their smartphones when a nearby tracker has been disconnected from its owner’s device, allowing users to locate and disable the tracker. The trackers would be mandated to emit a sound when they are disconnected from the owner’s device or when a non-owner attempts to locate them. Limited information about the tracker’s owner would be made available in the event someone discovers the tracker that doesn’t belong to them. Apple and Google have not specified a timeline for rollout, although a version of the updates is expected to be released by the end of 2021.