• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

Apple and Google have partnered to develop an industry specification - 'Detecting Unwanted Location Trackers' (DULT) which alerts users if they are being tracked by a Bluetooth device. This enhancement will be available on iOS and Android devices to help them inform of unknown tracking to limit the misuse of tracking devices.

According to an Apple blog post, the company will introduce the capability in iOS 17.5 for iPhones. For Android, alerts will be available for Android 6.0+ devices. Users will get an "[Item] Found Moving With You" warning on iOS and a "Tracker travelling with you" message on Android if a Bluetooth device is spotted moving with them.

Also Read: Google I/O 2024: From Android 15 To Gemini To Pixel 8a, AI Set To Steal May 14 Show | What To Expect

If a user gets this alert, this would mean an AirTag, Find My or Find My Device network-compatible accessory or other accessory is moving with them. It may be possible that a tracker is attached to an accessory which they are carrying. Users can "view the tracker's identifier, have the tracker play a sound to help locate it, and access instructions to disable it." In the future, tags from Chipolo, eufy, Jio, Motorola and Pebblebee will be compatible.

"This cross-platform collaboration — an industry first, involving community and industry input — offers instructions and best practices for manufacturers, should they choose to build unwanted tracking alert capabilities into their products," Google said. Both companies will work with the Internet Engineering Task Force via the DULT working group to make the official standard for the technology.

Also Read: Google, Apple Join Hands To Tackle Unwanted Bluetooth Tracking

This comes after recent cases of Bluetooth-based tracking via Apple AirTags to target and track people. With the new change, both companies may plan to curb the misuse of such accessories. Meanwhile, Google announced an enhanced Find My Network for Android users last month.

Also In News