Apple‘s new location beacon pairs with an iPhone, boasting superior privacy for the owner of those devices, but some might be wondering if it could it be used to secretly track other people, becoming a stalking tool. The AirTag was expected to be released last year, but perhaps the reason for the delay was to resolve these concerns. Apple paid particular attention to privacy and security issues with its tracker, not only for the owner of the AirTag but also for others.
The AirTag is remarkably capable for such a small and inexpensive device, containing a user-replaceable battery, ultra-wideband (UWB), Bluetooth Low-Energy (BLE), and Near-Field Communication (NFC) transmitters/receivers, an accelerometer for detecting movement, and a speaker. The vast Find My network made up of hundreds of millions of compatible iPhone models means an AirTag can be located with ease and precision almost anywhere in the world. This combination of various technologies allows three different types of finding, via map directions, by triggering a sound from the AirTag, or Precision Finding via UWB, which shows heading and range to the lost item.
Apple’s AirTag is a very advanced and accurate tracker, which is wonderful for finding lost items, but what if someone intended to use it for tracking people? Keeping track of people isn’t always a bad thing, since parents and legal guardians have a responsibility to keep their children and wards safe. However, tracking someone else, and without their knowledge, is clearly wrong and invasive. Apple took the time to plan the AirTag well and built-in features that address these privacy concerns. If an AirTag is placed on a person or in their belongings and they own a compatible iPhone, Apple says the Find My app will alert them that an unknown AirTag has been moving with them over time. Of course, this could happen accidentally, but presumably, the AirTag would be marked as lost at some point if this was accidental.
Privacy For Older iPhones & Android
The notification about an unknown AirTag traveling with a person only works with an iPhone that has been updated to iOS 14.5, which means models that were made over six years ago, such as the iPhone 6 and older, will not be able to see these types of warnings. Android devices are also excluded since they can’t access the Find My network. Of course, those that don’t carry a smartphone won’t have the technology to identify an AirTag either. However, Apple has a solution for those cases as well. An AirTag that is separated for three days from the iPhone that it is paired with, will make a sound to alert those nearby of its presence and to help find it. The sound acts as a privacy alert in case it was hidden somewhere for the purpose of tracking a person.
If a hidden AirTag is found moving with an iPhone owner, an option is given along with the alert to play a sound on the rogue tracker in order to help locate it. An AirTag might be placed on a borrowed item, in which case the safety alerts can be paused. More can be learned about the unknown tracker, such as its serial number if the owner has marked it as lost. If the AirTag placement is believed to be nefarious, instructions are provided to disable it. If someone’s safety is believed to be at risk, Apple suggests contacting local law enforcement and has confirmed it will work with the police to help resolve the issue. Adding that the AirTag itself or its serial number may need to be given in order to investigate further. Apple takes privacy very seriously and made an effort to ensure its location trackers are used for tracking items, not people.
