Dozens of individuals have taken legal action against Apple for the alleged abuse of its AirTags, with over 150 police reports of stalking incidents involving the device recorded in the US alone as of April 2022. According to Interesting Engineering, victims who claim to have been terrorized by stalkers using Apple AirTags have joined a class-action lawsuit against the tech company in a California court. They accuse Apple of negligence for failing to prevent the misuse of its AirTag tracking product by stalkers.
Yahoo reports that 37 people have joined the class-action lawsuit, each sharing their personal stories of becoming victims of stalking due to AirTags. The case was initially filed by two women in December, and more victims have since joined the lawsuit.
These victims consider AirTags to be one of the most dangerous and terrifying technologies used by stalkers. They argue that Apple has not taken sufficient measures to mitigate the risks associated with AirTags stalking, which can lead to financial ruin and even violent crimes.
While most of the reported cases are from the US, there are also victims from other countries, including Canada and Ireland, who have joined the lawsuit against Apple. The plaintiffs allege that Apple knowingly promoted AirTags as “stalker-proof” despite being aware of the potential for abuse.
The plaintiffs raise concerns about Apple’s efforts to improve safety features, such as iOS alerts and chimes. They maintain that AirTags remain dangerous and cause emotional distress and fear. They believe Apple has failed to adequately address the inherent risks associated with the device, leaving people vulnerable to unwanted and dangerous tracking.
Privacy concerns surrounding Apple AirTags have been raised since the device’s release in April 2021. ABC reports that Albert Fox Cahn, the executive director of the Surveillance Technology Oversight Project, has highlighted the dangers of this cheap and widely available tracking device. He questions whether Apple should continue selling it, considering the potential harm it can cause.
CBS reported how influencer Brooks Nader warned her followers about the risks of AirTags after finding one attached to her coat. She later received a notification that the AirTag had been tracking her movements.
In Canada, NPR reported that AirTags have been found in high-end vehicles that were subsequently stolen. Numerous accounts of people discovering AirTags hidden in their belongings have also appeared on social media.
Apple has responded to these concerns by emphasizing its commitment to customer safety and the privacy and security of AirTags. The company claims to have implemented measures such as automatic notifications and privacy features that only allow the owner to track the AirTag’s location.
Apple has also stated that it is cooperating with law enforcement and plans to provide software updates to help iPhone users detect unauthorized AirTags. According to Ars Technica, Apple is expected to seek dismissal of the lawsuit by October 27, when it is required to respond to the amended complaint.
In conclusion, victims of stalking incidents involving Apple AirTags have filed a class-action lawsuit against the company, alleging negligence in preventing the abuse of its tracking product. The plaintiffs argue that AirTags have become one of the most dangerous tools used by stalkers and that Apple has not adequately addressed the risks associated with the device. Privacy concerns have also been raised regarding the widespread use of AirTags, with reports of unauthorized tracking and potential harm to individuals. Apple has responded by highlighting its commitment to customer safety and implementing safety features in AirTags. The lawsuit is expected to undergo further legal proceedings as Apple seeks to dismiss the case.
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