Today, the internet is governed by technologies that are active players in stealing people’s privacy. The Bluetooth tracking devices like AirTags, tiles, and SmartTags are presently the most frequently used items by people to trace their belongings. An indirect surveillance takes place when you use these devices, but what if someone spies on you without your awareness? 

Read on and find out how to know if your Bluetooth gadget follows your every step, and what to do to prevent it.

Understanding Bluetooth Trackers

Bluetooth trackers are tiny devices that based on Bluetooth technology communicate with smartphones that are nearby. They are mostly used to account for the items, such as keys, wallets, or luggage. When you plug a Bluetooth tracker on something you need to track, it generates signals that can be received by other smartphones around.

Bluetooth trackers are built in such a manner that they send out messages that can be caught by smartphones nearby. The information from these signals is utilized by the owner to know the location of the tracked article, consequently, the owner just locates it if it's lost or stolen.

Signs that you are being tracked

If you are taking a ride and there is something abnormal on your smartphone display, like recording or battery drain, it might likely be a nearby Bluetooth tracker. Moreover, if you get a warning on your mobile phone with the words "[Item] Moving With You" it is obvious proof that an item has been tracking you without your permission.

Indirect signs of being trailed are possibly a shaking of your phone from various notifications, a fall in the battery level, or an alert showing an unidentified phone working as a tracking system with you. These hard-to-see signs may point out that a Bluetooth tracking device is nearby.

Striking Out Unknown Tracking Devices

Both smartphones with Android and iOS have Bluetooth built-in technology that allows users to detect unknown tracking devices. In case you own an IOS similar to the Soner (14) you will also receive notifications about Android devices of the unknown from the AirTags automatically. Similarly, the iPhones with iOS 14, are just like Android phones. The “5 or newer” model will send you a message if an ‘unknown’ AirTag accompanies you.

You can discover the address or the number of unknown tracking devices in your smartphone by incorporating the inbuilt applications. If there is an incident of an unknown device which is the source of the alert, then proceed with the assessment of your surrounding environment and search for any suspicious objects.

What to Do When you are Suspecting Surveillance

In case, you get a notification about an unfamiliar tracker; calm down. First, look for any strange objects around you that could contain a Bluetooth sign that a tracker is on you. Searching in the pockets, bags, or under your car will help. If you come across a tracker, you can set it back to play sound to widen your search

In a situation where you are supposed to have been tracking unconsented, act to shield yourself. Investigate your surroundings and take away all objects that you find suspicious or call the authorities for help.

Using Third-Party Apps

If you can’t update your phone which is supposed to be operated on the latest operating system, or you want to see additional types of Bluetooth trackers, such as AirGuard, then you can make use of third-party applications. These apps, which can show you how to identify and localize Bluetooth tracking devices, are a convenience you will like.

The function of the third-party app AirGuard is not to only detect active Bluetooth tracking devices but also to provide additional support. The suggested use of these apps is if you are out to secure your privacy.

Contacting Authorities

If you identify anything in the form of a Bluetooth tracker that seems to be installed without your permission, then informing the police is what you need to do. Such technologies inform you of the problem and prompt you to correct it. In some situations, you will have to disconnect the tracker's battery to turn it off securely.

If you think you are being tracked by someone without your consent, then immediately ask for the help of authorities. The privacy officers are there to offer consultation to assist you through the maze and take the steps to secure your privacy.

Protecting Your Privacy

To prevent your phone from getting stalked, keep a keen eye on it and check for unknown devices from time to time. Because Bluetooth is a way of being tracked, you should disable it when you are not using it. Similarly, when you frequently borrow items from others, make sure there are no Bluetooth trackers in these items. The latter can always tell you the real location of the items.

Being smart and being mindful safeguards your privacy. Help yourself by securing your personal information and addressing emerging threats to privacy in advance.

Knowing your rights.

Keep in mind that you are entitled to your privacy, and in case you encounter a situation where your privacy may be violated, you need to defend yourself. In case you have reason to believe that you're under surveillance without your consent, don't leave the action until the last moment to keep yourself safe. By staying updated and being proactive you will help to keep your personal information in your control.

The right to privacy is a vital thing that ought to be safeguarded in the age when people are more and more connected. Keep yourself up-to-date with the information about your rights and be positive in safeguarding your data from undesirable tracking.