When the AirTag launched in 2021, it was hailed as a revolutionary device that could potentially shape the future of augmented reality. With its Bluetooth tracker and ultra-wideband capabilities, the AirTag promised to be a convenient solution for finding everyday items like misplaced TV remotes. However, cybersecurity experts raised concerns about the potential for the device to be exploited by stalkers.
Unfortunately, these concerns proved to be valid. Multiple women reported alarming encounters where AirTags were used as stalking devices. The small trackers could easily be slipped into a purse or attached to a car, allowing the perpetrator to monitor the victim’s movements. Police departments across the United States issued warnings about the criminal uses of AirTags.
In response to these incidents, Apple released firmware updates in late 2022 in an attempt to address the issue. While competitors like Tile also offer tracking devices, the wide reach of Apple’s ecosystem sets the AirTag apart. Its popularity continues to grow, with various organizations and individuals finding innovative uses for the device.
For instance, the US Drug Enforcement Administration has utilized AirTags to track international drug shipments, while a man in Texas used the device to locate his stolen car and apprehend the suspect. These examples highlight the versatility and potential of AirTags beyond their intended purpose.
However, with the increased prevalence of AirTags, it’s crucial to be aware of the signs that indicate you may be tracked without your knowledge. Fortunately, there are measures you can take to detect the presence of an AirTag.
If you own an iPhone running iOS 14.5 or newer, you should receive a push alert whenever an unknown AirTag is detected nearby for an extended period and away from its owner. Although Apple’s website doesn’t specify the exact time frame for triggering this alert, it serves as an important notification to be cautious.
To ensure you receive these alerts on newer iPhones, make sure Bluetooth is turned on and check your settings. Under “Settings,” go to “Privacy & Security,” and toggle “Location Services” on. Scroll to the bottom of the page, tap on “System Services,” and activate “Find My iPhone.” Additionally, search for the “Find My” app, visit “Me” in the bottom right corner, and tap “Customize Tracking Notifications” to ensure notifications are enabled.
Whenever you receive an alert for an unrecognized AirTag, there may be an option to play a sound on the device to assist in locating it. If your iPhone runs on iOS 16.2 or later, you might also be able to utilize precision location data for better tracking.
For Android users, Apple released the Tracker Detect app, which allows users to initiate scans for AirTags. In a more recent development, Google has started rolling out automatic smartphone alerts for unknown Bluetooth trackers, similar to what iPhone owners receive. These alerts are available on smartphones running Android 6.0 or higher.
While some guides suggest using Bluetooth scanners to locate AirTags, cybersecurity experts like Eva Galperin, director of cybersecurity at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, caution against relying solely on this method. According to Galperin, Bluetooth scanners do not consistently detect AirTags, highlighting the limitations of this approach.
In conclusion, the AirTag’s launch brought about both excitement and concerns. While it offered a glimpse into the potential of augmented reality and the convenience of locating everyday objects, it also raised significant privacy and security issues. The incidents of the AirTag being used for stalking purposes prompted Apple to release updates aimed at countering its misuse.
As the use of AirTags becomes more widespread, it’s crucial to stay vigilant and be aware of the signs that you may be tracked without your knowledge. By familiarizing yourself with the detection methods mentioned earlier and staying up-to-date with firmware updates, you can mitigate the risks associated with this technology.