“Technology doesn’t cause abuse, but it can facilitate it,” Olsen said. The privacy concerns around AirTags are part of a larger issue, Olsen said. With the update, that alarm will sound at a random time inside a window lasting between 8 and 24 hours. In June, Apple said it was working on an Android app to notify those users of unwanted AirTags traveling with them as well, to be released later this year.Īpple also initially had AirTags make a noise if separated from their owner after three days. However, many have noted that those protections may not be enough to protect victims.Īt launch in April, these included a notification that says “AirTag Found Moving With You” - but only if you have an iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch running iOS or iPadOS 14.5 or later.

Apple built in several safeguards to prevent the devices from being used to track people - an industry first. So what can you do to try to protect yourself from being tracked by an AirTag? New tech, old privacy concernsĪirTags use a combination of sensors, wireless signals and Apple’s extensive Find My network to help people locate lost items. We are concerned about all possible tracking options because of the safety risks.” “Apple is getting a lot of attention because of the size of their network, which can make these devices more precise than other similar tracking devices. “Location tracking is a serious concern for survivors and a common tactic of abuse,” said Erica Olsen, director of the Safety Net Project at the nonprofit National Network to End Domestic Violence. And unfortunately, there are few ways to detect if someone is using an AirTag (or any similar device, like a Tile or Samsung SmartTag tracker) to follow you.

While Apple has built-in certain protections to discourage unwanted tracking and recently added more in an update, it’s still possible for someone to slip an AirTag into your bag or car without your consent and track your location. Here are some tips for protecting yourself.Īpple’s new AirTag tracking devices promise to help you locate lost keys, bags or other items - but what if someone uses one of the small discs to try to track you? AirTags can be used to stalk someone’s location.

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