Google Brings Unknown Tracker Alerts to Android

Example of an unknown tracker alert

Google has announced that unknown Bluetooth tracker alerts are coming to Android devices. This update is intended to prevent stalking facilitated by Bluetooth trackers by identifying when a tracker is following a device it is not paired with and then notifying the owner of the device. Once notified, users are given information on locating the device, how long the device has been traveling with them, and ways to disable it. Google has made a helpful video (see below) including a visual walk through of how unknown tracker alerts will function on Android devices. For more information on how unknown tracker alerts work, visit Google’s blog and their unknown trackers support site.

Bluetooth trackers are typically marketed as a convenient way to locate lost keys, pets, or valuables. As they become more affordable and easier to use, however, these trackers have been repeatedly misused to stalk unknowing victims. Bluetooth trackers are small, often make no noise, and can operate for long periods of time on little power – all features which make them convenient to use for their intended purpose AND silent surveillance. These features make it easy for an abusive person to put a Bluetooth tracker inside a purse, car, or stuffed animal undetected where it can remain unnoticed until they choose to retrieve it. This can turn an ordinary object into a tracking device.

Safeguarding location is an absolute necessity for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and other forms of abuse, particularly when they are fleeing violence. These trackers are easily misused by abusers as instruments to surveil, exert control, and foster an environment of intimidation. The ability of Bluetooth trackers to monitor a survivor’s location and movement without being discovered creates a potential additional vulnerability for survivors of violence, and one that can be uniquely difficult to detect. This vulnerability is lessened with the built-in ability of devices to detect unknown trackers.

While this update will only detect Apple AirTags at the moment, Google is continuing to work with other tracking device manufacturers through a joint industry specification to expand detection to other Bluetooth trackers. It’s imperative that tech companies continue to work towards the universal ability to detect and disable unknown trackers. NNEDV’s Safety Net team partnered with the Center for Democracy and Technology to advise on these standards and released a joint op-ed highlighting recommendations for safer Bluetooth tracker technology. We will be working to gather stories and examples from the field of misuse and how a universal process for proactive notification could be helpful for the safety and well-being of survivors.

For more information regarding efforts to address unauthorized location tracking, check out our May 2nd blog post.