Apple and Google Join Forces to Fight Unwanted Tracking with Bluetooth

FIT Information Technology Information Security
The world of personal tech has just gotten a little more privacy-focused. In a surprising move, Apple and Google, the usual smartphone giants locked in fierce competition, have announced a joint effort to combat unwanted Bluetooth tracking. This collaboration tackles a growing concern: the misuse of Bluetooth trackers, like Apple AirTags, for uninviting tracking of individuals, eavesdropping on conversations, and spoofing the identity of legitimate Bluetooth devices to trick other devices into pairing, potentially granting access to data.

The new industry standard, called “Detecting Unwanted Location Trackers” (DULT), aims to address this issue. Here’s how it works:

  • Android & iPhone Users Beware: Both Android and iOS devices will be equipped to detect unknown Bluetooth trackers that are moving with you for an extended period.

  • Suspicious Signals Get Flagged: Your phone will identify the tracker and send you an alert, notifying you of an “Item Found Moving With You.” This notification includes information about the tracker’s identifier, allowing you to take action.

  • Taking Control: The alert will offer options to disable the tracker or play a sound to locate it. This empowers you to identify the source of the unwanted tracking.

DULT is available in Android devices running versions 6.0 and later, and iOS devices with iOS 17.5 or later.

Overall, this collaboration between Apple and Google is a win for user privacy. With DULT in place, we can expect a future where Bluetooth tracking technology is used responsibly and empowers users to maintain control over their personal information.

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