Google and Apple submit proposal to combat misuse of Bluetooth location-tracking devices
Samsung, Tile, Chipolo, eufy Security, and Pebblebee have expressed support for the draft specification
Google said on Tuesday that the company along with Apple jointly submitted a proposed industry specification to help combat misuse of Bluetooth location-tracking devices for unwanted tracking.
“The first-of-its-kind specification will allow Bluetooth location-tracking devices to be compatible with unauthorized tracking detection and alerts across Android and iOS platforms,” Google said in a blog post.
Samsung, Tile, Chipolo, eufy Security, and Pebblebee have expressed support for the draft specification, should they choose to build these capabilities into their products.
“Bluetooth trackers have created tremendous user benefits but also bring the potential of unwanted tracking, which requires industry-wide action to solve,” said Dave Burke, Google’s vice president of Engineering for Android. “Android has an unwavering commitment to protecting users and will continue to develop strong safeguards and collaborate with the industry to help combat the misuse of Bluetooth tracking devices.”
Along with feedback from device manufacturers, input from various safety and advocacy groups has been integrated into the development of the specification.
“Today’s release of a draft specification is a welcome step to confront harmful misuses of Bluetooth location trackers,” said Alexandra Reeve Givens, the Center for Democracy & Technology’s president and CEO.
