AirTags are just a little scary, Apple
Apple’s AirTags come in handy if you lose your wallet or key ring. Unfortunately, they are regularly used for shady purposes. I find AirTags terrifying.
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“You carry an unknown AirTag with you”
Apple’s AirTag is regularly in the news. Never because the tracker saved someone’s life by finding an object (unlike the Apple Watch) – no, it’s always about creepy stalking practices. Apple is doing everything it can to make stalking with an AirTag as difficult as possible. However, it is worrying how many reports the police receive about AirTag stalking.
Brooks Nader, 26, an American swimsuit model, was walking down the street at night when she received a notification from her iPhone. “You carry an unknown AirTag with you. The owner of this AirTag can see your location.” What turned out? Someone had secretly put the tracker in her jacket pocket while she was sitting in a restaurant. Unfortunately, Nader isn’t the only victim of AirTag stalking.
In America in particular, the police regularly receive reports of such AirTag incidents. For example, on January 14, another report came in in Maryland, where an AirTag had been placed under someone’s car. Many victims eventually find the AirTags, thanks in part to Apple’s built-in warning systems. However, in many cases this only happens after a few hours. A little late, of course. In a few hours, there is a good chance that you have already traveled home, for example. Then the stalker knows exactly where you live.
Is Apple doing enough?
Of course, Apple really wants you not to use the AirTag to secretly follow someone. That is why you will see an extensive warning while setting up a new AirTag. This states that you may only use the tracker to track down your own belongings. However, stalkers know full well that they are doing it wrong; Sun disclaimer won’t stop them.
The warning also states that the AirTag is linked to your Apple ID and that the police can request this information. This might deter some stalkers. Still, requesting a new Apple ID is easy. A fake email address, an old iPhone you never use, a VPN and voila; you are virtually invisible. Not that I want to give people ideas with this article; please do not.
Apple has also provided the AirTags with an alarm system. The trackers will beep loudly if they are away from a paired iPhone for 8 to 24 hours. That happens at a random moment – but only after 8 o’clock. In those 8 hours, stalkers can do a lot of damage. In addition, the alarm system can apparently be turned off manually. AirTags were found on eBay and Etsy with the speakers turned off.
Scary people find a way
Apple can never completely prevent AirTags from being used for stalking practices. The manufacturer can do its best, but eventually people with bad intentions will find a way. Suppose Apple – in a magical world – manages to make AirTags 100 percent stalk-free, then there are the dozens of trackers from other brands that stalkers can reach.
Maybe trackers just shouldn’t be legal. Or maybe you need to get a license to use a tracker. Both AirTags and other trackers must in any case be traceable to the original owner. Only then are the devices safe. However?
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Buy an AirTag while you still can
If you see all the fuss around the AirTags, it could just be that they will (have to) be withdrawn from sale at some point. But let’s be honest: if you use them for what they are intended, AirTags are useful, as you can read in our review. So maybe a good time to get a stock of AirTags now.
