Google Launches Android Alert System to Warn of Unknown AirTags Used for Stalking
Google, the tech giant headquartered in the United States, has officially commenced the implementation of its latest safety feature. This feature is designed to monitor and notify Android users regarding unfamiliar Bluetooth trackers in close proximity, which includes AirTags.
According to the report, Android smartphones will automatically alert if an unknown Bluetooth tracking device separates from its Owner and travels with the smartphone user. The notification can be tapped to see a map of where the tracker was last seen, and using the “Play Sound” function will make the tracker make a noise.
When Google detects an unknown tracking device nearby, it displays the device’s information, such as the serial number or the last four digits of the owner’s phone number. It also provides instructions on physically disabling the tracker. If you have a compatible Android device, you can find the manual scan feature in the Security & Emergency section of the Settings app.
Currently, unknown tracking alerts work with Apple’s AirTags, but Google is working to support other tracking devices like Tile. Google’s new feature solves a big problem with AirTag. When AirTags was released, Apple had to improve its anti-stalking functionality several times to prevent misuse to track people.
iPhone users have been able to receive alerts when an unknown AirTag is nearby and could be a potential danger. However, there was no easy way for Android users to detect such AirTags unless they downloaded a specific app created by Apple called “Tracker Detect”.
This lack of easy detection by Android users has been a major criticism of AirTag for over two years. But now compatible Android devices can detect nearby AirTags without a separate app.
Earlier this year, Google and Apple teamed up to create a new industry specification to prevent Bluetooth trackers from being misused for stalking. Both Android and iOS devices can detect nearby Bluetooth devices and send alerts from third-party product trackers.
