The introduction of Apple AirTags has opened a Pandora’s box of privacy concerns, with the devices increasingly used in cases of stalking and coercive control. Originally designed to help people track lost items, these small, inexpensive trackers are now being exploited by stalkers and abusers to monitor their victims’ locations covertly.
Rising Concern Over Coercive Use of Trackers
In the last six years, the reported use of GPS trackers in cases of coercive control and stalking has skyrocketed by over 300%, according to ITV News. The ease of use and accessibility of AirTags, costing less than £30, have made them particularly appealing for malicious purposes. These devices, no larger than a 50p coin, can be secretly attached to almost anything, allowing abusers to track their targets in real-time.
AirTags emit a secure Bluetooth signal that nearby devices within the Find My network can detect. These devices relay the location of your AirTag to iCloud, allowing you to view its location on a map through the Find My app.
Rachel Younger, an ITV News Correspondent, highlighted that while many users appreciate AirTags for recovering lost pets or belongings, there is a darker side to the technology. A recent lawsuit in America has accused Apple of negligence, stating that AirTags have become “the weapon of choice of stalkers and abusers.” This is because they enable abusers to give “real-time location information to track victims” without detection.
The Case of Àine O’Neill
A distressing example involves Irish National Àine O’Neill, who was pursuing an acting career in California. She discovered that an AirTag had been deliberately concealed in the bodywork of her car and was being used to track her movements.
Her fear around the potential consequences of this led her to abandon her career and return to Ireland. Despite the severe impact on her life, the identity of her stalker remained unknown. This illustrates the profound challenges victims face when faced with stalking and harassment.
Law Enforcement and Safety Measures
The increasing misuse of AirTags has prompted law enforcement and safety advocates to push for better security measures. In response to the growing concerns, Apple has stated that they are working closely with safety groups to enhance AirTag safety features and prevent misuse.
As the use of these devices in controlling behavior and stalking continues to rise, the question remains about the balance between technological convenience and the potential for abuse. This ongoing issue poses difficult questions about the real cost of such conveniences. They were originally designed to make lives easier but are now complicating them in unforeseen and dangerous ways.
References
Teitel, J. and McDonald, S. (2024). Florida cracking down on cyber stalking with Apple AirTags, other hidden tracking devices. WUFT.
Younger, R. (2024). AirTags becoming ‘weapon of choice of stalkers and abusers’ as GPS tracker cases rocket by 317%. ITV.
Featured image: Apple AirTag. Source: wachiwit / Adobe Stock
