Apple and Google work together to prevent unauthorized location tracking

# **Apple and Google cooperate to prevent unauthorized location tracking** ## Two corporations Apple and Google have collaborated to draft a draft specification to avoid unauthorized location tracking. Accordingly, Apple and Google have collaborated on a draft industry-wide specification, designed to address safety risks and alert users when they are being tracked without knowing it. from devices like AirTags. Location tracking devices help users find personal items such as keys, wallets, luggage, etc. through community-resourced search networks. However, they can also be abused to track unwanted individuals. The first specification of its kind will enable compatible Bluetooth location tracking devices with unauthorized tracking detection and warning on Android and iOS platforms. Google said Samsung, Tile, Chipolo, eufy Security and Pebblebee expressed support for the draft, providing guidance and methods for manufacturers if they choose to integrate these features into their products. Tracking devices manufactured by companies are then required to follow a set of guidelines and recommendations, and notify users of any unauthorized tracking on iOS and Android devices. . Dave Burke, VP of engineering for Android, says Bluetooth trackers have created huge benefits for users, but at the same time brought unwanted tracking capabilities. Android is committed to protecting users and will continue to develop strong safeguards and work with the industry to help combat abuse of tracking devices. An important part of the proposed specification is the use of a pairing registry that will contain verifiable (but obscured) identification of the accessory’s owner (e.g. phone number or email address) along with the accessory’s serial number. Recommended specification in addition to data retention for a minimum period of 25 days after the device is unpaired (the device will be deleted), a pairing registry made available to law enforcement rules when submitting a valid request. The proposal also requires trackers to switch from “near owner” to “separate” mode if the device is no longer near its owner for more than 30 minutes. Google and Apple have submitted the manuscript to the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) and are awaiting responses from interested parties within the next three months. After this time, both will focus on resolving the feedback and will release the final spec for the unwanted tracking alerts by the end of 2023.