Users can now pause location updates for up to 24 hours to protect their privacy from unknown Bluetooth trackers.
The "Find Nearby" feature helps locate hidden trackers and allows users to disable them.
Manual scans for unknown trackers can now be performed via the "Unknown Tracker Alerts" section in settings.
In an effort to shield Android users from hidden Bluetooth trackers, Google has added yet another safety feature. The new feature, called Temporarily Pause Location, will let users halt location updates for up to 24 hours in order to protect their privacy in the event that an unknown tracker is found in the area.
SurveyMany users have reported being stalked or being monitored by hidden trackers without their consent. In order to address the issue, Google unveiled a new feature that will assist users in preventing uninvited location sharing.
With the latest update, Android users can now locate any hidden Bluetooth trackers that might be placed close to them by using the Find Nearby feature. Users can either remove the battery or dispose of the tracker after it has been detected. Through the “Unknown Tracker Alerts” section under Settings > Safety & Emergency > Unknown Tracker Alerts, users can now more easily conduct manual scans for unknown trackers.
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“You can now temporarily pause location updates from your phone to prevent your device’s location from being used by a detected unknown tag for up to 24 hours. This provides an extra layer of privacy and control, allowing you to take a first action quickly while you locate and physically disable the tag,” the company stated in a blog post.
“If you receive an unknown tracker alert, you can now use the “Find Nearby” feature to pinpoint the tag’s location. Your Android device will guide you to the tag, to help you find it if it’s hidden,” the company added.
With the update, Android users can now take quick action if they believe their location is being tracked, giving them more control over their privacy. According to the tech giant, no information gathered from manual scans will be stored, guaranteeing that users’ privacy is not at risk throughout the entire process.
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Ashish Singh
Ashish Singh is the Chief Copy Editor at Digit. He's been wrangling tech jargon since 2020 (Times Internet, Jagran English '22). When not policing commas, he's likely fueling his gadget habit with coffee, strategising his next virtual race, or plotting a road trip to test the latest in-car tech. He speaks fluent Geek. View Full Profile
