Google is implementing anti-stalking measures for AirTag and other Bluetooth trackers.
Google ’s anti-stalking measures are already in place. The company’s anonymous tracking alerts and other security measures announced at Google I/O in May will start rolling out to Android 6.0+ devices starting today. The initiative aims to reduce the rise in digital stalking that occurred immediately after the launch of Apple’s AirTag in 2021
Android’s Unknown Tracking Notifications let you know if an unknown Bluetooth is with you. If your Android phone notifies you that a tracking accessory has been detected, you can tap on the notification to learn more about it, including a map of where it’s been and (in some cases) a serial number and information about the device’s owner. You can also tap “Play Sound” to make the accessory make a sound to help you locate it. If it turns out to be something suspicious, it will provide instructions for turning it off so its owner no longer receives updates. (In the case of the AirTag, that means twisting the top off and removing its battery.)
See also: Apple and Google are working together to make AirTags more secure
An Android device also lets you automatically scan for nearby trackers without waiting for a notification. Once your phone has received the update, go to Settings > Security & emergency > Unknown tracker alerts and tap the “Scan now” button. Google claims that the manual scan only takes ten seconds, and if a device is found, you’ll see the same options as if you were getting an automatic notification.
Google and Apple are working together to address security risks associated with AirTags and other tracking devices. In addition, Google announced today that its “Find My Device” network ( equivalent to Apple’s “ Find My ”), also announced at Google I/O, has been delayed. Google decided to wait for Apple to implement all tracking protections in iOS before releasing the new software.
Keep in mind that Google's anti-tracking measures may reduce the effectiveness of tracking stolen items, as professional thieves can quickly discover hidden trackers, regardless of the phone they're using. However, reducing tracking will sidestep this concern in Google and Apple's security balancing act
Source: www.engadget.com
