Apple’s AirTags have been helping law enforcement catch thieves, but they have also raised concerns about potential misuse for stalking. The small tracking devices, which cost $29, can be easily attached to items like keys, wallets, or luggage to help locate them if lost. In Santa Barbara County, a woman frustrated by mail theft used an AirTag to bait the thieves.
She mailed herself a package containing the device, and when it was stolen, she shared the tracking information with the sheriff’s office. This led to the recovery of her mail and that of more than a dozen others, as well as the arrest of the suspected thieves. Law enforcement agencies across the country have been using AirTags to combat package theft and assist in tracking stolen property.
The Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C., recently conducted an operation where thieves took bait packages containing AirTags, leading to successful tracking and arrests. However, AirTags have also been used maliciously by stalkers to trace people’s movements without their knowledge. This has led to a class-action lawsuit against Apple, with plaintiffs arguing that users often do not realize they are being tracked until hours after the device is attached.
AirTags aiding investigations but misused
For Android users, Apple has created an app called Tracker Detect, which allows them to scan for any unknown AirTags or other tracking devices nearby. If an unknown AirTag is found to be tracking an individual, they can use an NFC-compatible Android phone to access information on how to return it if it was tracking them by accident.
If intentional tracking is suspected, the serial number of the AirTag can be viewed and reported to law enforcement. To disable an AirTag, users can remove the CR2032 battery by pressing down on the stainless steel back cover, rotating it counter-clockwise, and taking the cover off. This action will notify the owner that the AirTag has been disabled.
While AirTags can be helpful in recovering lost or stolen items, law enforcement advises against individuals taking matters into their own hands. Instead, stolen items should be reported to the authorities, who can handle the recovery process. It is important to note that legal limitations exist based on an AirTag signal alone, and additional evidence may be required for a search warrant or arrest.
As the use of AirTags continues to grow, it is crucial for individuals to be aware of the potential for misuse and to know how to protect themselves from unwanted tracking. Apple has stated that they condemn any malicious use of their products, but the responsibility also falls on users to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the proper authorities.
