Apple and Google collaborate on digital privacy effort to address unwanted tracking

Digital privacy - Partnership

The technology giants are accepting input from advocacy groups and industry participants.

Location-tracking devices have become extremely commonplace as consumers use them to make it easier to find everything from luggage to their car keys, but digital privacy has become a serious concern.

These gadgets can relatively easily be misused by wrongdoers for unwanted tracking of others.

As a result, Apple and Google submitted a joint proposal for industry specifications that could help to combat the misuse of tracking gadgets using Bluetooth technology for unwanted tracking and threatening personal and digital security. This specification is a first of its kind and will make it possible for location-devices based on Bluetooth technology to be compatible with unauthorized tracking detection and alerts across devices operating on the iOS and Android operating systems.

Digital Privacy- Mobile Security

Tile, Samsung, Pebblebee and eufy Security have all expressed their support for the specification draft, which recommends best practices and guidance to manufacturers interested in working these capabilities into their offerings.

The strategy is meant to offer a considerable boost to personal and digital security for device users.

“Apple launched AirTag to give users the peace of mind knowing where to find their most important items,” said Apple Vice President of Sensing and Connectivity Ron Huang in an official Apple blog. “We built AirTag and the Find My network with a set of proactive features to discourage unwanted tracking — a first in the industry — and we continue to make improvements to help ensure the technology is being used as intended. This new industry specification builds upon the AirTag protections, and through collaboration with Google results in a critical step forward to help combat unwanted tracking across iOS and Android.”

“Bluetooth trackers have created tremendous user benefits, but they also bring the potential of unwanted tracking, which requires industrywide action to solve,” added Google Vice President of Engineering for Android Dave Burke in the same digital security news release on the Apple official site. “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.”

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