Apple’s tiny trackers are ‘the ultimate stalking tool’, capable of targeting anyone, according to a new assessment. From tracking your every move to invading your privacy.
When Apple introduced AirTags, it seemed like a useful measure for those prone to losing keys, wallets, or other personal items. The concept was simple: attach an AirTag to your belongings, and you can track their location via the Find My app on your Apple device. This was designed to make our lives easier by helping us find lost items quickly and efficiently.
Certainly, the benefits of AirTags are vital, eliminating the frustration of lost possessions. But what about uninvited tracking? Josh Gordon, a Geonode expert, tells Digital Journal: “Technology always brings about new possibilities, both positive and negative. It’s essential to examine them critically.”
Gordon observes how, as with many technological innovations, AirTags have been misused. Criminals have discovered that these tracking devices can be used to stalk individuals discreetly. The compact design of AirTags makes them easy to conceal, and they can be surreptitiously placed in a person’s bag, car, or other personal items without their knowledge.
Outlining the possibility of misuse, Gordon states: “The potential for abuse with AirTags lies in their ability to continuously send location data to the owner via the Find My network. When an AirTag is in proximity to an Apple device, it can transmit its location anonymously, alerting the owner to its presence. However, this also means that a malicious individual can use an AirTag to secretly track someone’s movements without their consent.”
Gordon continues: “The use of AirTags in this manner raises significant concerns for personal safety and privacy. Victims of stalking or harassment may not be aware that they are being tracked, making it challenging to take precautions. It’s a form of digital surveillance that can be difficult to detect, especially if the victim does not own an Apple device to receive alerts.”
Gordon presents some steps Apple has made to mitigate these privacy concerns:
- Alerts for Unknown AirTags: If an AirTag that does not belong to the user is detected moving with them, their iPhone will notify them.
- Sound Alerts: AirTags emit a sound after a period of inactivity when separated from their owner to alert those nearby.
- Android Compatibility: Apple is working on enabling AirTags to work with Android devices, extending safety measures beyond the Apple ecosystem.
However, Gordon cautions that such measures are not enough.
This includes risks for non-Apple users. Gordon points out: “Non-iPhone users are at greater risk of becoming unknowing victims to AirTag stalking.”
Android users, who represent a large chunk of the global smartphone market, aren’t alerted if there’s an unknown AirTag around them. While Apple has announced plans to develop an app for Android to address this issue, it’s evident that more needs to be done.
Gordon says it is essential for individuals to take precautions to protect their privacy and safety:
- Check Your Belongings: Regularly inspect your personal items for any unfamiliar AirTags. If you find one, remove it immediately.
- Enable Alerts: If you own an iPhone, ensure that the “Item Safety Alerts” feature is enabled in the Find My app settings to receive notifications about unknown AirTags.
- Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Pay attention to your surroundings and any unusual behaviour that might indicate you are being tracked.
- Report Suspicious Activity: If you believe you are being stalked or harassed using an AirTag, contact law enforcement and report the incident to Apple.
Gordon concludes noting: “Consumers need to balance the advantages of new technologies with privacy trade-offs. Employ a critical lens when dealing with tech, question ethical aspects, and make sure you have all the information before committing.”
