Android Phones Can Now Detect If An AirTag Is Tracking You
Android phones can now tell if there's an AirTag following you. Earlier, it was announced that Apple and Google were working together to limit instances of stalking and unwanted tracking via AirTags and similar technology.
At the Google I/O 2023 conference, the company announced that trackers would be able to take advantage of its 3 billion+ devices strong network of Bluetooth connectivity. At the same time, the company announced measures to limit unwanted tracking through snug tools like Apple AirTags.
How tracker alerts on Android work
Android users would soon receive "unknown tracker alerts" on their smartphones. Currently, the alerts only work for Apple AirTags but Google is working with other manufacturers like Tile to expand coverage.
Now, if an AirTag that is not owned by you "is separated from its owner and determined to be travelling with you," a notification will inform users of the same; that the "the owner of the tracker can see its location."
Also read:?Google To Pay $391 Million Fine For Illegally Tracking Users' Locations
If you tap on the notification, it will tell you where exactly the tracker began following you. Google claims that this data "is always encrypted and never shared with Google."
The user can make the tracker play a sound without informing the owner of the tracker. If you bring the tracker close to your smartphone, some trackers may be able to provide information about their owner, "like the last four digits of their phone number," Ars Technica reported.
Also read:?Apple's Tracking You Even When Settings Are Turned Off, Researchers Find
Google also claims that it will lead users to information about how to disable an unwanted tracker. In addition, the company will roll out a manual scan feature if your Android phone is unable to catch a tracker or if you simply want to see what's nearby.
The alerts will begin rolling out to users through a Google Play services update on Android 6.0 and above over the coming weeks.
What do you think about this much-needed feature? Let us know in the comments below.?For more in the world of?technology?and?science, keep reading?Indiatimes.com.
