Submitted as an Internet-Draft through the standards development organisation IETF, the proposed specification has been developed by Apple and Google with input from several safety and advocacy organisations in addition to inputs from device manufacturers
Apple and Google submit proposed industry specification to curb the misuse of Bluetooth location-tracking devices. (Credit: Pexels from Pixabay)
Apple and Google have together submitted a proposed industry specification to help fight the misuse of Bluetooth location-tracking devices for undesired tracking.
According to the tech majors, the specification will enable Bluetooth location-tracking devices to work with unauthorised tracking detection and notifications across iOS and Android platforms.
The companies have submitted the specification as an Internet-Draft through the standards development organisation Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF).
Apple and Google said that the specification has been developed with input from several safety and advocacy organisations in addition to inputs from device manufacturers.
Google Android engineering vice president Dave Burke said: “Bluetooth trackers have created tremendous user benefits, but they also bring the potential of unwanted tracking, which requires industrywide action to solve.
“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.”
The specification is expected to deliver the best practices and instructions for device manufacturers if integrated into their products.
Companies including Samsung, Chipolo, eufy Security, Tile, and Pebblebee have expressed support for the draft specification, said the tech majors.
Apple and Google have invited other interested parties to review and comment on the specification over the coming three months.
Upon the completion of the comment period, the companies will collaborate to address feedback.
A production implementation of the specification for unwanted tracking alerts is expected to be released by the end of this year.
The specification is anticipated to be then supported in future versions of iOS and Android.
Apple sensing and connectivity vice president Ron Huang said: “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.”
In May 2022, Apple, Google, and Microsoft joined forces to extend support for the FIDO Alliance and the World Wide Web Consortium-created common passwordless sign-in standard.