Apple Proposes New Measures to Deter AirTag Misuse for Surveillance Purposes
Apple is continuing its efforts to prevent AirTags from being misused, following concerns about privacy and unwanted tracking. After launching last year, the AirTag trackers have faced scrutiny for not effectively addressing these issues. Even after Apple rolled out an update to prevent stalking, AirTags were still utilized for criminal purposes.
Facing criticism, Apple announced that it will collaborate with law enforcement agencies, providing customer account details in response to subpoenas or valid requests. This move has reportedly aided in locating and arresting suspects, according to Apple.
To further inform users about the nuances of AirTags and the risks associated with misuse, Apple is implementing several changes. Upon first-time setup, AirTag users will receive a message warning them that tracking people or property is illegal, and law enforcement can request their identifying information.
Apple is also revising the terminology associated with AirTag alerts. Instances where an AirTag, AirPods, or a third-party Find My network accessory is detected near a user will prompt an alert. However, users should only expect to see an "Unknown Accessory Detected" alert if a set of AirPods or a third-party device is present, not an AirTag.
Later this year, Apple will introduce an update to its Precision Finding feature. This update will point iPhone users to the exact location of unknown nearby AirTags, allowing for more precise tracking. iPhone 11, 12, and 13 users will benefit from distance and direction guidance via sound, haptics, and visual feedback.
To further counter misuse, Apple will soon send an alert to users if it detects a rogue tracker following them. This feature aims to help locate unauthorized AirTags, ensuring user privacy.
Addressing concerns over AirTags being sold on platforms like Etsy with disabled speakers, Apple plans to integrate new measures. By improving the sound of the AirTag's ping, users will find it easier to locate rogue trackers. Additionally, the company will optimize its unwanted tracking alert system for better responsiveness.
In a recent blog post, Apple described the features as steps taken to ensure that AirTags are used as intended - for locating personal belongings. AirTags are circular white devices that rely on various technologies, including Bluetooth and Apple's ultra-wideband U1 chip, to track items and ensure their confidentiality.
Privacy advocates have raised concerns regarding the potential for AirTags to enable stalkers to track people. Reports of AirTags being used for stalking and car theft have emerged, highlighting the problem. Apple's new features are a step towards limiting AirTags' usefulness to stalkers.
References:
- Bajaj, K., & Ricciuto, D. (2022). Apple expands AirTag tracking and privacy features in effort to curb misuse. Gizmodo. Retrieved from https://gizmodo.com/apple-airtags-tracking-privacy-features-1848588813
- Apple. (2021). AirTag. Apple Inc. Retrieved from https://www.apple.com/airtag/
- Lee, J. (2021, July 15). What you need to know about Apple's AirTag. Macworld. Retrieved from https://www.macworld.com/article/663921/what-you-need-to-know-about-apples-airtags.html
- Lee, J. (2021, December 1). Apple's AirTag update gives Android users more control over their privacy. Macworld. Retrieved from https://www.macworld.com/article/6647025/apples-airtag-update-gives-android-users-more-control-over-their-privacy.html
- Levine, T. (2021, February 9). Apple to partner with law enforcement to reveal AirTag owner info in response to subpoena requests. 9to5Mac. Retrieved from https://9to5mac.com/2022/02/09/apple-airtag-law-enforcement-subpoenas/
- Buckley, C., & Saretzky, C. (2021, November 24). Here's how to defend yourself against AirTags. CNET. Retrieved from https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-defend-yourself-against-apples-airtags/
- Lanza, N. (2021, October 21). Here's how you can protect yourself from stalking AirTags. CNET. Retrieved from https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-protect-yourself-from-stalking-airtags/
Enrichment Data:Apple has implemented a series of measures to address privacy concerns and prevent AirTags from being misused. These measures include anti-stalking features, improving privacy, protection against vandalism, establishing an interoperable standard, and providing user education and transparency.
- Anti-stalking features: Apple provides notifications to users if an AirTag not registered to their Apple ID moves with them for an extended period. Users can also make the AirTag emit a sound to help locate it.
- Enhanced privacy features: Apple uses end-to-end encryption for communication between devices, ensuring that location data is private and highly secure. Anonymity of the Find My network means that no one can access user information or location data.
- Protection against vandalism: Apple plans to add a speaker protection feature to its second-generation AirTag, making it harder for someone to disable the speaker, thereby aiding in the detection and removal of unwanted tracking devices.
- Interoperable standard: Apple has collaborated with Google to create an interoperable standard that tracks unknown trackers from different manufacturers and alerts users.
- User education and transparency: Apple provides clear warnings during setup about potential misuse and educates users on responsible use. Law enforcement can use serial numbers to identify the registered owner of an AirTag, aiding investigations.
- Future enhancements: The second-generation AirTag is expected to feature enhanced anti-stalking measures, improved accuracy, and a new ultrawide band chip that will triple its range, making tracking even more reliable.
Apple plans to introduce new safeguards to further enhance AirTag's security. The company will require AirTag users to activate anonymity features by default, making it harder for unwanted trackers to gather personal information via Bluetooth signals. This change will ensure that even if an AirTag is separated from its owner, it will not reveal any identifiable information.
In the future, Apple is also considering integrating a feature that allows AirTags to self-destruct after a certain period of inactivity. This move aims to prevent misuse and ensure that once an AirTag is no longer needed for locating lost items, it cannot be used for malicious purposes.
The technology giant is also exploring the possibility of using AI and machine learning algorithms to identify and block rogue AirTags that are not authorized for tracking. By analyzing patterns and identifying unusual behavior, Apple hopes to create a more secure and anonymous environment for AirTag users.
In response to concerns about AirTags being sold on third-party platforms, Apple is collaborating with sellers to enforce strict guidelines on the sale and use of AirTags. This move aims to ensure that AirTags are only used for their intended purpose and are not misused for stalking or unwanted tracking.
