Stalkers beware! Google just launched new tracking alert over AirTag misuse

tech.hindustantimes.com:

In a bid to enhance user safety, Google recently unveiled an innovative feature aimed at alerting Android users about potential stalking threats posed by unfamiliar Bluetooth trackers, particularly AirTags. Many cases have shown that stalkers are misusing trackers like AirTags to stalk their victims.

Starting today, Android smartphones will automatically issue alerts when an unknown Bluetooth tracker is detected in close proximity to the device owner. If the tracker appears to be traveling with the user, a notification will be triggered, allowing users to view the last known location of the tracker on a map. Additionally, a "Play sound" option will enable the user to make the tracker emit a sound, aiding in its discovery, according to a MacRumors report.

Google's safety feature goes further by providing relevant information about the tracker, such as its serial number or the last four digits of the registered owner's phone number. Moreover, users will be guided on how to physically disable the tracker. For those who prefer manual scanning, the Safety & Emergency section in the Settings app on compatible Android devices offers this functionality.

Currently, the unknown tracker alerts are specifically designed for Apple's AirTags, but Google is actively working on expanding the support to include other trackers like those from Tile.

AirTags, upon their release, faced concerns related to potential stalking incidents. To mitigate this issue, Apple introduced an anti-stalking function for iPhones, which notifies users about unknown AirTags in their vicinity. Unfortunately, Android users were left vulnerable, unless they knew about and downloaded Apple's Android-based "Tracker Detect" app.

The lack of an easy way for Android users