Software update: Apple and Google prevent unwanted tracking

0

Software update
Apple and Google prevent unwanted tracking

A Bluetooth tracker on a bag. The IT giants Apple and Google want to use a joint initiative to prevent the misuse of small Bluetooth tracking devices for unwanted tracking of people. photo

© Zacharie Scheurer/dpa-tmn/dpa

Small trackers like Apple’s AirTags help find lost items. But sometimes they are also used for secret surveillance or stalking. That should change now.

The IT giants Apple and Google have taken concrete steps to prevent the misuse of small Bluetooth tracking devices for unwanted tracking of people. A jointly developed industry standard across the Android and iOS mobile platforms was integrated into the iPhone iOS operating system on Monday with the update to version iOS 17.5, Apple announced in Cupertino. Google will introduce it in Android devices from version 6.0+. The industry standard is also supported by other relevant manufacturers such as Chipolo, eufy, Jio, Motorola and Pebblebee.

AirTags from Apple or other Bluetooth trackers are actually used in everyday life to find lost or stolen items. They can be attached to a bunch of keys, suitcases or bicycles in order to locate them if they are lost. Recently, incidents have repeatedly become known in which the trackers were used to spy on people against their will.

Warning tone and information on the smartphone

Apple introduced some protective measures to prevent stalking through AirTags. Strange AirTags that are near another person for a while will emit a warning tone. Potential tracking victims also receive information on their iPhone on how to deactivate the strange AirTag in their area. Anti-tracking protection for Android devices already works in a similar way – but only if everyone involved uses a smartphone on the same platform. That’s changing now.

With the new feature, iPhone or Android smartphone users will receive a warning on their device if an unknown Bluetooth tracking device is detected moving with them, regardless of the platform the device is paired with.

dpa

#Subjects

source site-5