Google Introduces Anti-Stalking Safeguards for AirTag and Other Bluetooth Trackers

Google is implementing measures to combat stalking, with its undisclosed tracker alerts and additional safety features being introduced on Android 6.0+ devices starting today. These efforts, which were announced at Google I/O in May, are aimed at addressing the concerning increase in digital stalking that emerged following the release of Apple’s AirTag in 2021.

Unknown tracker alerts for Android will let you know if an unknown Bluetooth tracker is traveling with you, but not its owner. If your Android phone notifies you that a tracking accessory has been found, you can tap the alert to learn more about it, including a map of your destinations and (in some cases) the serial number and information about the device’s owner. You can also tap the “Play sound” option to make the accessory chirp to help locate it. If it turns out to be suspicious, it will provide instructions to disable it so that its owner will no longer receive updates. (In the case of the AirTag, that means twisting the top of it and removing the battery.)

Android deployment also allows you to manually search for nearby trackers instead of waiting for an alert. Once your phone has received the update, go to Settings > Security & Emergency > Unknown Tracking Alerts and select the “Scan Now” button. Google says that a manual search only takes about ten seconds, and if it finds one, you’ll see the same options as if you got an automatic alert.

The new feature is the result of a collaboration between Google and Apple to address concerns about unwanted tracking. Additionally, Google announced today that its Find My Device network (equivalent to Apple’s Find My network), which was also announced at Google I/O, will be delayed. Google decided to wait for Apple to implement all of its unknown tracking protections in iOS before rolling out the new feature.

Note that Google’s anti-tracking measures can reduce the effectiveness of tracking tracked stolen items on a map, as enterprising thieves can soon find hidden trackers no matter what phone they’re using. However, it is understandable that reducing stalking would override this concern in balancing Google’s and Apple’s data security.