Apple has promised to offer a detection app for Android later this year after being criticized for its inventory tracker AirTag, which could be abused for stalking. It has become clear that the application "Tracker Detect" that realizes this has been released on the Google Play store.
AirTag has a function to notify the existence by making a sound when it is separated from the original owner for a certain period of time, and also has a function to detect an unknown AirTag and notify that "AirTag was found near you" in iOS / iPadOS 14.5 or later. .. However, Android users are unaware through smartphones, and it has been pointed out that it is insufficient as a countermeasure against stalking.
By the way, the start of distribution of "Tracker Detect" was first discovered and reported by CNET in the United States. The official release of the Google Play Store explains:
According to additional information from the Google Play store, the app was released on the 11th and is 19MB in size. It is said that permission to pair the location information with the Bluetooth device is required for proper operation (check from "Show details" under "Permissions").
"AirTag offers industry-leading privacy and security features, but today we're extending new features to Android devices," an Apple spokeswoman told CNET. In addition, the app provides "Android users with the ability to scan for AirTags and" Find "compatible inventory trackers that they may be traveling with without their knowledge. We are raising privacy standards for our users and industry, and we hope that other companies will follow suit. "
There is no point in having the "Tracker Detect" app, and "the user needs to actively scan the device."
And if AirTag is in lost mode, you can hold an NFC-compatible device to display a message that describes how to contact the owner .... There is a mechanism for a long time, and this application is not necessary. Also, Apple says that all communications are encrypted, so no one, including Apple, knows the location or identity of the owner or device.
Recently, it has been reported that AirTag and other belongings trackers are being abused not only by stalkers but also by car thieves. Here too, I would like to keep an eye on future trends as to how Apple and other trackers will respond.
Source: CNET, Google Play Store
via: 9to5Mac