As of today, Apple and Google jointly «filed a proposed»specification to address stalking that uses gadgets like AirTag or Tile trackers.
Apple claims in its press post that the specification was created using input from a variety of device manufacturers as well as safety and advocacy organizations. The following companies have «expressed support» for the specification: Samsung, Tile, Chipolo, Eufy, and Pebblebee.
After countless instances of trackers, such as Apple’s AirTag trackers, being used for malicious stalking in various contexts, this new development is a welcome one. The capabilities of the tracker were excellent for its intended uses—but, regrettably, they were also impressive for malevolent purposes—when Ars originally reviewed the AirTag.
Aside from the fact that it will make it simpler for a wide range of devices to be used in stopping unauthorized tracking, both in terms of trackers that are more easily detected and a wider range of other devices facilitating their detection, today’s announcement offers few details about exactly what this standard is or how it will work.
Through the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) standards development group, Apple and Google submitted this proposal. Through that organization, additional businesses will engage in a discussion about the proposed standard over the coming months; Apple and Google intend to implement the standard as early as this year.
Since it’s still early, it’s impossible to predict whether or not this standard will accomplish its goals or significantly alter the current situation. Nevertheless, action is required because there have been numerous reports of the misuse of trackers like these in recent years (not just AirTag).
Listing image by Samuel Axon