Almost every year, Apple comes out with a new phone or invention to release publicly. Last year, Apple created a device called Apple Air Tags: a small, little tracker that people are supposed to use to find their lost item. Unfortunately, criminals have started using them to track people and their vehicles.

 

These tags can easily be placed on a car, bag, or even into the pocket of a person if done carefully enough. Tracking people with these devices has since been ruled a criminal offense punishable by long periods of jail time. Allegedly, a person was tracked last fall in Akron, Ohio by an Apple Air Tag. Since then, there have been no direct instances of using Apple Air Tags to track people or find their location. 

 

James and Josh Shapiro “have offered tips to identify whether an AirTag has been placed on your person, as reported earlier by Tom's Guide. AirTags are designed to beep when separated from devices they're paired to, and iPhones and iPads should warn users when they detect that an unpaired AirTag is nearby,” David Lumb reports.. 

 

These precautions might be able to help some people, but do not undo the damage and paranoia they have already caused.

 

Since then, Apple released an update regarding Air Tags and their purpose. The company has started to work with law enforcement to discourage any maleficent use of the product, and has created safety warnings and precautions to discourage any illegal practices with their invention. According to “An update on AirTag and unwanted tracking,” the company states, “Apple has been working closely with various safety groups and law enforcement agencies. Through our own evaluations and these discussions, we have identified even more ways we can update AirTag safety warnings and help guard against further unwanted tracking.”

 

Examples of this include new privacy warnings during Air Tag set-up, addressing alert issues for AirPods, and updates supporting documentation. Further information can be viewed using their article.

 

If you ever feel unsafe or as if you are being followed, call your local police station or a 911 operator right away and try to stay calm. If you are in a car, slow down, and take note of your surroundings. If needed, make 4 consecutive right turns to confirm someone is following you, or turn into the nearest police station. If you are on foot, stop by a store window, and pretend to tie your shoe to gather your thoughts and options. You can also call a close family member or friend to let them know your location, or call an emergency number. 

 

In summary, Apple realized their mistakes in making this product; they are trying hard to fix the damage they created. To reiterate what the paragraph above mentioned, always be aware of your surroundings, and do not hesitate to take matters into your own hands if you feel that you are in danger.

 

Works Cited

“An update on AirTag and unwanted tracking.” Apple Newsroom. 2022, May 12. Retrieved May 

13, 2022, from 

https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2022/02/an-update-on-airtag-and-unwanted-tracking/ 

Lumb, David. 2022, Feb. 17. State officials warn of Apple AirTag Stalking Danger. CNET. 

Retrieved May 13, 2022, from 

https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/us-state-officials-warn-about-airtag-stalking-danger/ 

W., & Torres, K. 2022, April 25. 6 things to do if you think you're being followed. SafeWise. 

Retrieved May 13, 2022, from 

https://www.safewise.com/blog/what-to-do-if-you-think-youre-being-followed/