Apple and Google introduce standard to combat misuse of AirTag and Tile trackers
Apple and Google introduce standard to combat misuse of AirTag and Tile trackers
Apple's AirTag.
Samuel Axone
The other side of Apple's AirTag.
Samuel Axone
AirTags are also available in packs of four for $99.
Samuel Axone
An AirTag with a loop accessory.
Samuel Axone
An AirTag with a leather loop accessory.
Samuel Axone
AirTags are the best way to find your lost stuff, if you are an iPhone user.
Samuel Axone
The three AirTag accessories we reviewed this week.
Samuel Axone
Today, Apple and Google announced that the two companies have jointly "submitted a proposed specification" to address harassment using devices such as AirTag or Tile trackers.
In its newsroom article, Apple says the specification was developed based on feedback from a range of device makers as well as security and defense groups. Samsung, Tile, Chipolo, Eufy and Pebblebee all have "expressed support" for the specification.
This new development comes after countless examples of trackers like Apple's AirTag trackers being used for malicious harassment in various contexts. When Ars first reviewed the AirTag, we wrote that the tracker's capabilities were impressive for its intended uses, but unfortunately also impressive for malicious purposes.
Over time, Apple has introduced a series of changes and new programs related to AirTag trackers that have alleviated (but not eliminated) some of these concerns. Generally, iPhone users are better protected than Android users, who have to choose to download an app that will detect unwanted AirTag trackers. (iOS is keeping tabs on this right out of the box.)
Today's announcement contains few details on what exactly this standard is or how it will work, other than that it is intended to make it easier to use across a wide range of devices to stop unwanted tracking, both in terms of trackers that are more easily detected and a wider range of other devices that make it easier to detect them.
Apple and Google submitted this proposal through the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) Standards Development Group. Over the coming months, other companies will participate in a dialogue on the proposed standard through this organization; Apple and Google...
Apple's AirTag.
Samuel Axone
The other side of Apple's AirTag.
Samuel Axone
AirTags are also available in packs of four for $99.
Samuel Axone
An AirTag with a loop accessory.
Samuel Axone
An AirTag with a leather loop accessory.
Samuel Axone
AirTags are the best way to find your lost stuff, if you are an iPhone user.
Samuel Axone
The three AirTag accessories we reviewed this week.
Samuel Axone
Today, Apple and Google announced that the two companies have jointly "submitted a proposed specification" to address harassment using devices such as AirTag or Tile trackers.
In its newsroom article, Apple says the specification was developed based on feedback from a range of device makers as well as security and defense groups. Samsung, Tile, Chipolo, Eufy and Pebblebee all have "expressed support" for the specification.
This new development comes after countless examples of trackers like Apple's AirTag trackers being used for malicious harassment in various contexts. When Ars first reviewed the AirTag, we wrote that the tracker's capabilities were impressive for its intended uses, but unfortunately also impressive for malicious purposes.
Over time, Apple has introduced a series of changes and new programs related to AirTag trackers that have alleviated (but not eliminated) some of these concerns. Generally, iPhone users are better protected than Android users, who have to choose to download an app that will detect unwanted AirTag trackers. (iOS is keeping tabs on this right out of the box.)
Today's announcement contains few details on what exactly this standard is or how it will work, other than that it is intended to make it easier to use across a wide range of devices to stop unwanted tracking, both in terms of trackers that are more easily detected and a wider range of other devices that make it easier to detect them.
Apple and Google submitted this proposal through the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) Standards Development Group. Over the coming months, other companies will participate in a dialogue on the proposed standard through this organization; Apple and Google...
