Google release automatic AirTag alerts for Android in bid to prevent stalking

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Back in May, Google and Apple jointly announced that they were teaming up to prevent unwanted tracking through AirTags and similar devices. Today, Google is announcing that the rollout of unknown tracker alerts is now beginning on devices running Android 6.0 and later. Right now, this only works with AirTags, but Google says it's working with tag manufacturers to expand this protection to other tracking tags over time.


Here's how it works. If an unknown Bluetooth tracker is separated from its owner and determined to be traveling with you, you will be notified on your Android device. If you tap the notification you can learn more about the tracker and view a map of where it was seen traveling with you. There's also a "play sound" option that will make the tracker make a noise so that you can locate it without the owner of the tracker knowing.


Additionally, when you bring the tracker near the back of your phone, it might share its serial number or more information about its owner, like the last four digits of their phone number. You can also learn how to disable the tracker completely, so it will stop the owner from receiving any future location updates from it.


This is all meant to prevent stalking by using AirTags and AirTag-like trackers, and it seems to be a very good step in the right direction. Google also built a manual scan feature that lets you check your surroundings for trackers without having to wait for an alert.