Apple AirTags have recently come under scrutiny due to concerns about their potential misuse for stalking and harassment. Researchers at Northeastern University have raised alarm about how AirTags can be discreetly placed in personal belongings, allowing individuals to be tracked without their knowledge.
The issue has led to a class-action lawsuit against Apple, with 37 plaintiffs alleging that AirTags have been weaponized by stalkers and abusers. This claim has gained support as concerns continue to mount.
The researchers found that AirTags operate using Bluetooth technology, continuously transmitting signals that nearby phones pick up and relay to Apple servers. While this allows owners to locate their devices, it also allows for covert tracking when AirTags are placed in various locations such as bags or vehicles.
Apple has implemented safety measures to mitigate this issue. iPhones can detect continuous signals from unassociated AirTags and send notifications to alert the user of an unfamiliar device. The user can then locate and disable the AirTag. However, the researchers have found that these notifications can be delayed, sometimes taking up to nine hours to be received. They also discovered that AirTags can be reconfigured to bypass these safety measures, allowing for extended periods of tracking without triggering an alert.
The research team reported their findings to Apple, which responded by collaborating with Google to develop solutions for notifying users about unwanted tracking devices. The team from Northeastern University is also offering their insights to contribute to these efforts.
Despite the challenges, the researchers hope that Apple and other developers will implement changes to enhance the security of tracking these devices. Their aim is to make consumers more aware of the risks and hold companies accountable for developing secure software.
The findings of the researchers have been published in Proceedings on Privacy Enhancing Technologies, providing valuable information to address the misuse of AirTags.
It is crucial that steps are taken to address the concerns raised by researchers to ensure the safe use of Apple AirTags and prevent their potential misuse for stalking and harassment purposes.
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