Apple AirTags have become popular for tracking personal belongings, but there have been reports of misuse. In one case, a man named Michael Spurr was charged with using an AirTag to track a co-worker by attaching it to her car. He pleaded not guilty and is due in court in October.
Lauren Hughes also revealed that her ex-boyfriend used an AirTag to follow her every move. She found the device in the wheel well of her car after receiving an alert on her iPhone. Apple has addressed these concerns by incorporating warnings into their devices.
Misuse of AirTags for tracking
If an unknown AirTag is detected near you, your iPhone should show a warning and the AirTag may emit a beeping sound. Non-Apple devices can also detect AirTags, but it requires regular checks.
Surveillance technology expert Albert Fox Cahn suggested improvements like making the alarm louder or the alerts more immediate. “As long as you’re selling a cheap, ubiquitous tracking device, people are going to misuse it,” said Cahn. Apple has filed to dismiss a federal lawsuit regarding the misuse of AirTags and has posted safety information online.
Despite the concerns, similar technologies like Tile remain widely used, showing a strong market for tracking devices. It’s important to stay vigilant and use the provided safety features to protect personal privacy and security when using these devices.
