I’m sure you’ve all seen the fancy small, circular device with the Apple symbol. These things are oftentimes found in wallets, purses or on keychains. In April of 2021, Apple released the long-awaited AirTag, which is tracked using Bluetooth between Apple devices to find easy-to-lose items. If you’re one to frequently lose common items, the AirTag would come in handy. This tag connects you to the “Find My” app, where you can locate any item whether it’s your backpack, your umbrella or your suitcase. The U1 chip inserted into the device provides the precise location of your item and comes with speakers to locate the AirTag. Any item lost or stolen can be detected by the device, and any stranger in range of the lost item can be provided with contact information to get the items back.

And while this invention sounds genius in theory, the Apple AirTag has come with many red flags. The AirTags incredible location accuracy also makes it incredibly easy for stalking. Numerous stories have come out since the release of the device that AirTags have been used for vehicle theft, stalking and trafficking. In one instance, a man was arrested for placing an AirTag on his ex-girlfriend’s car. Similar scenarios to this one have surfaced, showcasing why AirTags in particular pose unique risks to other tracking devices on the market.

While this issue of “tracking” has been a problem within the technology safety industry for years, the sheer accuracy of Apple’s network makes people more worried about the danger of this device. The AirTag’s precision capabilities could allow an abuser to pinpoint a victim’s location more accurately than other tracking device competitors, like a Tile.

Experts also worry that individuals might neglect any idea of criminal activity given that it’s an Apple product. Adam Dodge, the CEO of EndTab, said parents have hidden AirTag in their kids' vehicles to nonconsensually track their children, because to them “it’s a natural use of the technology”. This nonchalant attitude towards stalking will easily turn into a much larger issue. Stalking is oftentimes part of an existing pattern of power and control, and the AirTag allows people to increase the accuracy of these criminal actions.

So, what is Apple doing to prevent dangerous activity?

Here’s what we know:

Each Apple AirTag is linked to a user’s Apple ID which can be tracked by no one but that user. Additionally, location data and history are not stored, which prevents someone from being able to track you over time. And if for some reason you lose your AirTag, although ironic, you will be able to see the lost AirTag on a map if it’s picked up by someone with a different device. The device contains end-to-end encryption, preventing Apple from viewing users' AirTag locations.

Given the worry consumers have faced about having their location tracked with these devices, Apple has announced that AirTags have Bluetooth identifiers that rotate, ensuring that people are never tracked from place to place. To prevent stalking, Apple has built in extra security to prevent unwanted tracking. Louder AirTag sounds, improved display alerts and precision finding have been other recent attempts to decrease stalking.

Luckily for us, we will likely be able to detect if we were being tracked. If an AirTag that belongs to someone else is traveling near your device for a period of time, your iPhone will alert you that an AirTag is detected near you.

Here are a few things you can do to avoid falling victim:

Pay attention to Family Sharing and Find My devices. While new Apple AirTag security features work to prevent strangers from tracking us at home, family sharing features add another layer of complication. Stalkers are rarely strangers, which is why keeping an eye out for AirTag devices in your possession can help to avoid tracking from friends, family or partners. If you receive a notification that an AirTag is in your possession, disabling it will remove its tracking abilities.

While technology like this is still working out its kinks, its affecting people's safety in the process. “I don’t know that there’s an acceptable level of risk for technology like this,” said Mary Beth Becker, domestic violence community educator at Women’s Advocates. “We’re talking about people’s actual lives.”

Misplacing your keys is annoying, but doesn’t always match up to the risks associated with these unsolved devices. If you or someone you know uses an AirTag, it’s smart to keep in mind these various risks.

For more travel and safety tips, read more @theedgemag.

The Danger of the Apple AirTag

So, what is Apple doing to prevent dangerous activity?

Here’s what we know:

Here are a few things you can do to avoid falling victim: