Google shouts: Joint anti-abuse standard for Bluetooth trackers is waiting for Apple to cooperate with it

An interoperable anti-abuse system for Bluetooth trackers is expected to launch by the end of 2023, and a post published by Google on Thursday seems to point the finger at Apple, explaining why it hasn't arrived yet. The new "Find My Device Network" has been proposed in early 2023 and a joint draft standard has been released. However, Google said it is waiting for Apple to launch a wider system.

"At this time, we have decided to hold off on rolling out Find My Device Network until Apple implements protections for iOS," Google said in a post.

It's unclear why Google chose to exclude Apple in this particular way, given that the specification will remain open for comments and additions until mid-August.

Interoperability between Bluetooth trackers is coming, but when is the question

On May 2, 2023, Apple and Google jointly submitted an industry specification proposal that will become part of Google's "Find My Device Network." The standard will eventually allow Bluetooth location tracking devices to be compatible with unauthorized tracking detection systems and alerts on iOS and Android systems.

Tracking devices rely on specific device ecosystems to work, such as iPhone and AirTag's Find My Device network. So if an iPhone user has an extra AirTag in their bag, they'll see an anti-tracking notification, but with an Android device, there won't be an anti-tracking notification other than the occasional beep from the AirTag itself. The standard is designed to allow both iPhone and Android users to receive warnings, regardless of whether the tracker is an AirTag or another Android-compatible tracker.

"Apple's goal with AirTag is to give users the confidence to know where to find their most important items," Ron Huang, Apple's vice president of sensing and connectivity, said in the release. "We've designed a range of proactive features for AirTag and Find My Network to block unwanted tracking - an industry first - and we're continually making improvements to help ensure the technology is used as intended. "

Google's view on the system and potential interoperability is largely consistent: "Bluetooth trackers bring huge benefits to users, but they also bring hidden dangers of unnecessary tracking, which will require industry-wide action to address." Google said Dave Burke, vice president of engineering for Android systems. "Android is steadfastly committed to protecting users and will continue to develop strong safeguards and work with industry to help combat the misuse of Bluetooth tracking devices."

The specification was submitted as an Internet-Draft through the standards development organization the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). The specification will be open for outside review and comment until August.

At the time, a joint release stated that Apple and Google would process feedback and make adjustments after the deadline. This period has not yet ended. It is reported that this specification will be put into production by the end of 2023. The release is said to be in future versions of iOS and Android.

Other companies have also expressed support for the initiative, including Samsung, Tile, Chipolo, eufy Security and Pebblebee. As of July 27, not all of these companies had responded to the draft.