Apple and Google introduce standard to combat AirTag and Tile tracker misuse

Apple’s AirTag. [credit: Samuel Axon ]

Today, Apple and Google announced that the two companies have jointly “submitted a proposed” specification to combat stalking using devices like AirTag or Tile trackers.

In its newsroom post, Apple claims that the specification has been developed based on feedback from a range of device manufacturers as well as safety and advocacy groups. Samsung, Tile, Chipolo, Eufy, and Pebblebee have all “expressed support” for the specification.

This new development comes after countless examples of trackers like Apple’s AirTag trackers being used for malicious stalking in various contexts. When Ars first reviewed the AirTag, we wrote that the tracker’s capabilities were impressive for its intended uses—but that they were unfortunately also impressive for malicious purposes.