Apple Knows AirTags Have A Stalking Problem, Here’s What It’s Doing About It

Apple’s AirTag tracking device has received a bit of negative attention since its release due to privacy and safety concerns. It’s meant to be found again. Apple claims it has received written accounts of “countless” instances in which AirTags have helped users recover lost items.

However, soon after Apple first introduced AirTags, concerns arose that trackers could be used for stalking and other malicious activities. At just $29, AirTags are very affordable, and with Apple’s Find My network serving a billion devices, AirTags are a cheap and easy way to track people, whether their purpose is good or bad. has become a solution.

After rumors spread of people finding AirTags attached to cars for the purpose of stalking and car theft, and of AirTags speakers being removed for sale on Etsy, Apple Now addresses privacy and safety concerns: iPhones warn users if an unknown AirTag moves nearby, but Android users didn’t get such notifications until recently. Various third-party developers have offered solutions for detecting his AirTags nearby, but Apple finally launched its own app on his Google Play store for that purpose in December. Released.

Apple is now taking additional steps to combat unwanted AirTag tracking. The company said in a press release: We have also seen reports of malicious individuals attempting to exploit his AirTag for malicious or criminal purposes. “

Apple states that users are receiving “Unknown Accessory Detected” alerts when they are near certain AirPod models, so these alerts should appear to indicate that the AirPods have been detected. This upcoming software update will also add a message that AirTag users will see during initial setup, requiring them to use their AirTag to track their belongings and It clarifies that using it to track people without their consent is a crime.

Apple says it has worked with law enforcement by providing account details for iPhones paired with AirTags used to track people. According to the company, law enforcement agencies were able to use this information to pin AirTags to the culprit, arrest and prosecute the culprit.

Apple also provides additional information on its website, including detailed information on AirTags safety features, unwanted tracking alerts, what users should do if they receive such alerts, and how to disable AirTags and other Find My network devices. Updated support article about unwanted tracking. The company is also working on some additional safety features for a series of planned updates. Includes sophisticated unneeded tracking alert logic, and louder AirTag sound tones. For more information, see Apple’s press release.