Google has confirmed new anti-tracking protections for Android users
Some might call it a privacy boost, but I’m going to stick with it being a new security protection as that’s precisely what this latest update from google provides for billions of Android users. Here’s what you need to know about the unknown tracker alert to protect you from stranger danger and abusive stalking.
Unknown Tracker Alert Update Brings Better Stalker Security To Android Users
Google said, in a Dec. 11 posting, that helping Android users, all 3 billion of them, stay safe from unwanted Bluetooth tracking is a security priority and announced two new features that will do just that.
Although Android’s unknown tracker alert system itself is not new, the latest update from Google does extend the protection offered in a unique and highly welcome way. These alerts automatically notify the user if they are being tracked by an unfamiliar or unknown Bluetooth tracker that is moving with them. “As part of our ongoing commitment to safety,” Google said, “we’ve made technology improvements to bring you alerts faster and more often.” Such is the case with the new “Temporarily Pause Location,” feature. This means that users can now, as it says win the tin, temporarily pause location updates from their Android phone so as to prevent the location of that device from being used by a detected but unknown tag. The location update pause lasts for 24 hours, which should be time enough to at least add an extra layer of control for the user to allow them to locate and, hopefully, physically disable the tag in question.
Find Nearby Feature Will Now Pinpoint Android Tracker Location
The second new update to the anti-tracking protections being offered to Android users comes by way of the Find Nearby feature. “If you receive an unknown tracker alert,” Google said, “you can now use the Find Nearby feature to pinpoint the tag’s location.” This update means that the Android smartphone or tablet will guide the user to the precise location of the tracking tag, and when used in conjunction with the new Temporarily Pause Location function, should enable these physical security threats to be defused more efficiently and effectively. “Your safety is our priority,” Google said, “so we’re continuously improving unknown tracker alerts to help you stay ahead of unwanted tracking.”