New Delhi, May 14: Apple and Google have joined to combat the misuse of Bluetooth tracking devices for stalking purposes. Apple and Google to introduce a new industry specification named "Detecting Unwanted Bluetooth Trackers" that is expected to protect users from unwanted tracking on both iOS and Android platforms.

As per a report of Money Control, Apple and Google have collaborated to develop a new tool, which will enable users to receive alerts on their devices if they are being unknowingly tracked by a Bluetooth device. By implementing this standard, both companies aim to address the growing concern of Bluetooth trackers being used for stalking and unwanted surveillance. Apple Deepening Its India Ecosystem by Building Network of Local Vendors, Lowering Its Dependence on China, Says Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar.

According to a report of Apple, "Bluetooth trackers have created tremendous user benefits, but they also bring the potential of unwanted tracking, which requires industrywide action to solve," said Dave Burke, Google's vice president of Engineering for Android. Apple is introducing this feature with the release of iOS 17.5, and Google is making it available on devices running Android 6.0 and above.

Alerts for Unwanted Bluetooth Tracking on iOS and Android Devices

The introduction of this new feature will let users to receive an alert on their device labelled as "(Item) Found Moving With You" if an unidentified Bluetooth tracking device is detected moving in proximity for an extended period. The alert will help users identify if they are being stalked or if someone is keeping tabs on their belonging's location.

If a user receives this alert on an iOS device, it indicates that another user's AirTag, Find My accessory or compatible Bluetooth tracker is moving with them. The device may be attached to an item the user is borrowing, but if it is not, the iPhone can display the tracker's identifier, emit a sound to help locate it and provide instructions on how to disable it. Apple’s Next CEO: John Ternus, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, Likely To Replace Tim Cook; Check Other Potential Candidates.

Apple and Google announced that their product will be compatible with AirTag and various other Bluetooth trackers, which might include those from Jio, Motorola, Chipolo, eufy and Pebblebee. By working together, both companies will likely provide a complete solution to address the growing concern of Bluetooth tracker misuse.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 14, 2024 12:32 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).