Portable location trackers catch on.
The recent buzz around bluetooth-enabled location trackers, largely due to Apple’s Airtags, has placed this technology in the spotlight, notes analyst firm GlobalData.
Customers now need to be made aware of what private data these devices can gather and share because the buzz is likely to trigger start-ups and innovations in the field, and most users are unlikely to become acquainted with the options they have to protect their privacy, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
Deepa Karthikeyan wireless analyst at GlobalData said the recent heightened interest in location trackers can primarily be attributed to the launch of Apple’s AirTags.
“Their compatibility with the Find My network vastly improves applicability due to the sheer number of Apple devices that can aid in locating the tracker,” noted Karthikeyan. “The new attention will likely attract the development of new tracker variants and new business models, making customer privacy and security an urgent need. Device makers and wireless players should ensure that users are aware of the extent and type of data that they will be sharing with their peers.”
For its part, Apple is highlighting the safety measures it has taken for its AirTag and Find My network users: location data will not be physically stored inside the AirTag and only the owner of a device has access to its location data. Apple also claims that AirTag is designed with proactive features to eliminate unwanted tracking.
“The recent partnership between Amazon and Tile, which will allow Tile to utilize Amazon’s new Sidewalk network to enhance the coverage of its devices, is proof of AirTag’s impact on the market. Amazon has taken a step in the right direction by communicating the fundamental functioning mechanism of the network to its users via email and blog,” said Karthikeyan.
Sidewalk uses three layers of encryption to keep data safe, and the encryption standards are required for all applications and devices that use the network. Customers can also turn off network support on Sidewalk Bridges without impacting the device’s function.
“While these initiatives will be appreciated by the tech-savvy customer, most users are unlikely to acquaint themselves with the various options they have at their disposal to protect their privacy. Many will be annoyed by the new alerts their devices receive as they unknowingly become cogs in a user-generated network,” Karthikeyan concludes. “Companies should note that transparency and easy-to-follow settings/preferences are as vital as a smooth user experience for the ultimate success of a new product or service and implement that philosophy in their strategy.”
Tags: AppleGlobal DataPrivacy
