Apple and Google have submitted a joint proposal for an industry specification to combat the misuse of Bluetooth location-tracking devices for unwanted tracking. While location-tracking devices are useful in helping users find personal items, they can also be used for unwanted tracking of individuals. The proposed specification will enable Bluetooth location-tracking devices to be compatible with unauthorized tracking detection and alerts across iOS and Android platforms. The draft specification has received support from Samsung, Tile, Chipolo, eufy Security, and Pebblebee. The specification offers best practices and instructions for manufacturers, should they choose to build these capabilities into their products.

The proposed specification was developed with feedback from device manufacturers, as well as input from various safety and advocacy groups. The National Network to End Domestic Violence, for instance, has been advocating for universal standards to protect survivors and all people from the misuse of Bluetooth tracking devices. The collaboration between Apple and Google and the resulting standards are considered a significant step forward, as the new standards will minimize opportunities for abuse of this technology and decrease the burden on survivors in detecting unwanted trackers.

Interested parties are invited to review and comment on the draft specification over the next three months. Following the comment period, Apple and Google will partner to address feedback and release a production implementation of the specification for unwanted tracking alerts by the end of 2023. This will then be supported in future versions of iOS and Android.

In a statement, Apple’s Vice President of Sensing and Connectivity, Ron Huang, said that the company built AirTag and the Find My network with a set of proactive features to discourage unwanted tracking, which was a first in the industry. Huang also stated that the new industry specification builds upon the AirTag protections and is a critical step forward to help combat unwanted tracking across iOS and Android.

Dave Burke, Google’s Vice President of Engineering for Android, said that while Bluetooth trackers have created tremendous user benefits, they also bring the potential of unwanted tracking, which requires industry-wide action to solve. Burke also mentioned that Android has an unwavering commitment to protecting users and will continue to develop strong safeguards and collaborate with the industry to help combat the misuse of Bluetooth tracking devices.

The proposed specification has been submitted as an Internet-Draft via the Internet Engineering Task Force, a leading standards development organization.