Google’s anti-stalking features have been launched to combat unwanted tracking. These include safety measures and unknown tracker alerts, which were announced during Google I/O in May. They are expected to start showing up on Android 6.0+ devices starting from today. This move is intended to address the growing issue of digital stalking, a problem that surfaced following Apple’s AirTag release in 2021.
The alerts on Android for unknown trackers indicate if an unfamiliar Bluetooth tracker is accompanying you without its owner. If your Android device sends an alert regarding a detected tracking device, you can tap on the notification for more details about it. This may include a map showing the route it has taken with you and, in certain cases, the device’s serial number and owner information. To assist you in locating the device, there is also an option to play a sound. If the device is deemed suspicious, the system will guide you on how to disable it so the owner stops receiving updates. (For an AirTag, this involves twisting off the top and taking out the battery.)
Besides waiting for an alert, Android’s new update also permits manual scanning for nearby trackers. Once your device has been updated, go to Settings > Safety & Emergency > Unknown Tracker Alerts, then click the “Scan now” button. Google states that the manual scan takes approximately ten seconds, and if a tracker is found, the same options will be available as if you had received an automatic alert.
Google and Apple are collaborating to alleviate concerns over unwanted tracker stalking, working towards creating an industry standard that allows other third-party trackers to be compatible with the system. Moreover, Google announced today that the launch of its Find My Device network (similar to Apple’s Find My), also revealed at Google I/O, is postponed. Google has opted to delay the new feature until Apple integrates comprehensive unknown tracking protection into iOS.
It’s important to note that Google’s anti-stalking measures could potentially diminish the efficiency of tracking stolen items on a map. This is because crafty thieves may soon be able to rapidly detect hidden trackers, regardless of the phone they use. However, it’s evident that the priority for Google and Apple in this security trade-off is minimizing stalking.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about anti-stalking measures
What are Google’s anti-stalking measures?
Google’s anti-stalking measures include safety features and unknown tracker alerts. These alerts notify users if an unfamiliar Bluetooth tracker is traveling with them without its owner. Users can tap on the alert for more details about the tracker, including a map of where it traveled, its serial number, and owner information in some cases. There’s also an option to play a sound to locate the device, and if it’s deemed suspicious, the system will provide instructions on how to deactivate it.
What devices will the new Google anti-stalking measures be available on?
The new anti-stalking measures will be available on Android 6.0+ devices.
Can I manually scan for trackers with Google’s anti-stalking measures?
Yes, with the new update, you can manually scan for nearby trackers. You can navigate to Settings > Safety & Emergency > Unknown Tracker Alerts, and then select the “Scan now” button.
What are Google and Apple doing to address concerns about unwanted tracker stalking?
Google and Apple are working together on an industry standard that will allow third-party trackers to be compatible with their systems. This is an effort to alleviate concerns over unwanted tracker stalking.
Will Google’s anti-stalking measures affect the tracking of stolen items?
Google’s anti-stalking measures could potentially diminish the efficiency of tracking stolen items on a map. However, Google and Apple have prioritized minimizing stalking in their security trade-off.
More about anti-stalking measures
- Google’s Blog Post on New Safety Features
- Google I/O 2023 Announcements
- Apple’s AirTag
- Google’s Find My Device Network
- Apple’s Find My Network
5 comments
Great move but im wondering how effective it really will be.. like if the thieves can figure out the trackers, so can the stalkers, right?
welp, finally something good coming out of android. Guess I’ll give it a try on my work phone.
Finally, some real measures to combat stalking! way to go google and apple.. This stuff can be creepy, you know.
not gonna lie, im pretty impressed with how quick google rolled this out after airtag launch. Nice work!
love the proactive approach but what about finding stolen items? guess we can’t have it all.