Sourced from NPR | Feb 18, 2022
Apple AirTags were billed as a cheap and easy way to track everything.
Everything from your keys and wallet to your backpack. But recently, there has been a number of reports where the small-sized button device is used by stalkers and thieves to track people.
YIKES. But wait, there’s more.
Canadian law enforcement announced that AirTags were found in luxury vehicles to later be stolen. Numerous other stories have surfaced on social media where people have found AirTags hidden in their belongings.
Apple has issued a statement saying that it was working with law enforcement on all requests and plans to roll out additional software updates to help iPhone users to become more aware and locate unknown AirTags that were following them.
"Based on our knowledge and on discussions with law enforcement, incidents of AirTag misuse are rare; however, each instance is one too many," it said.
The idea behind AirTags is not new. There are some notable differences in the technology from older devices. AirTags do not have a built-in GPS system and instead piggyback off the location data of nearby Apple devices by emitting a continuous Bluetooth signal, which is viewable by the tag's owner.
This isn't the first time that a new device or technology has been used for malicious purposes, said Renee Williams, the executive director of the National Center for Victims of Crime. As technology becomes more sophisticated and advanced, as wonderful and great it is for society, it isn't. It has become much easier to abuse and misuse. Williams had said that what was rare was a technology company taking the issue seriously and moving to address it.
“Apple is not only listening to the field, but actively reaching out at times to do safety checks. That in and of itself might sound like a very small step, but it’s rare”
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How to know if an AirTag is following you
For Apple iPhone users, there are safeguards in place, but for others, options are limited. iPhone users will receive a notification if an AirTag is separated from its owner and is moving with them over time — if their phone is running on iOs 14.5 or later, and if they have the correct settings on. (Update, Feb 22, 2022: This is incorrect. The iOS 14.5 works back to and including the iPhone 6.)
Android users cannot receive these notifications right away, but Apple has released an application called Tracker Detect that will allow them to scan for an unknown AirTag nearby. The Tracker Detect only works when the app is open.
Anyone who is alerted to the presence of an unknown AirTag, either through Apple's notification system or by using the Tracker Detect, can trigger an audible chime to help them locate the device. AirTags will also randomly play this chime automatically when separated from its original owner. You can hear the chime in the embed below.
If you do fear that you are being maliciously tracked, AirTags can be deactivated by simply removing the battery. Doing it not only stops it from updating the current location but also alerts the device's owner. Some law enforcement agencies have pointed out that removing the AirTag's battery could potentially contaminate it as evidence.
What to do if you are being maliciously tracked?
There are no rules on what you should do if you suspect that you are being tracked, said Jennifer Landhuis, the director of the Stalking Prevention Awareness and Resource Center. Apple recommends that people contact their local law enforcement, and Landhuis advises the victims to be thoughtful about how to do so in the safest, possible way.
"If the offender is monitoring the victim's actions and sees that the AirTag has now gone to the police station, it can escalate the situation and put the victim more in danger," she said. Rather than going to the station, you can suggest a public place where you can safely contact the police by phone and have an officer meet you. People can also document evidence by screenshotting their photos, notifications and keeping a track of all the details. The most important thing is for someone to follow their instincts.
“The first thing that we always say to an individual who thinks that they are being stalked is to trust your gut,” she said. “Your instincts tell you one way or the other to follow those instincts because their instincts are usually pretty spot on.”
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