It maybe time to ditch Apple's Air Tag, because of growing number of stalking issues
In my opinion, Apple's AirTag and many devices alike are pure genius. The ultimate yet simple solution to tracking lost items such as keys, backpacks, and wallets. The device functions well as advertised, but there are some—major security concerns with the AirTag. According to police reports, there are many stalking incidents taking place in major cities around the country.
Briefly, this is how the AirTag function. Although it costs just $29, it's designed primarily to locate missing items. You can attach it to any keyring and insert it in a wallet or backpack. Lost items with an AirTag will signal a ping to any Apple device nearby. The Bluetooth-enabled device will then formulate a triangulated location. If found, the lost item is displayed on a map, highlighting where the AirTag is currently located.
However, not-so-nice individuals have other sinister plans for the device. What's alarming is the stalking issue began as soon as the Air Tag hit the market. Additionally, according to law enforcement officials out of Canada, the device is also used to track and steal cars. To combat the stalking issue, Apple has released a series of updates that make it possible to alert users of any unwanted AirTag near an iOS device.
These preventive measures from Apple haven't hindered Air Tag stalkers at all. On the contrary, the online publication, Motherboard reports incidents of stalking are still growing at an alarming rate. There are now 150 reports of incidents from various ( eight) police departments. In 50 cases, women called the police after being alerted by several unknown AirTags that seemed to be tracking their location.
Currently, Apple is implementing more safety features that should make AirTags easily detected. In addition, sometime in late 2022, Apple plans on releasing a series of updates that will provide specific location features that will make it easy for anyone to locate unknown trackers. It will also clarify when someone might be using AirTag to track them. If you're not comfortable using your AirTag, ditch the device until Apple fully updates the device. Currently, there is a list of safety measures users should take on Apple's website.
