The Dark Side of Apple AirTags: It’s Stalking Potential and Effect on Victims
Key finders, such as Apple AirTags, designed for convenience, have taken a sinister turn, becoming tools of stalking. Join us in uncovering the misuse of these location trackers, the limitations of their creators' responses, and the urgent call for increased protection.
In our modern world, technological tools are created to enhance and automate our everyday lives. Key finders, or location trackers, like Apple AirTags are a perfect example, intended for convenience but gaining traction as a tool for a darker, more sinister use: stalking. This insidious misuse transforms an everyday gadget into a tool of fear and oppression, casting a long shadow over the lives of its victims. Imagine living with the constant, unwavering fear that every step you take is being monitored – this is not dystopian fiction but a reality for many.
Understanding Apple AirTags: A Double-Edged Sword
Apple AirTags, designed to help us find misplaced items, have been repurposed by stalkers, revealing an alarming picture of innovation twisted for harmful ends. The ease with which these devices can be used for tracking individuals poses a significant threat to personal safety and peace of mind.
The tools vary in how they work, Apple AirTags, for example, rely on bluetooth and store no data on the device itself, they use other Apple devices to locate the device. As such, they are only able to send a location when other Apple devices are nearby. Other devices might use GPS tracking which may provide a more consistent live location.
The Invisible Chains: The Emotional Impact of Being Stalked
The core of this issue lies in the impact of stalking. Victims often share harrowing tales of finding a surveillence device hidden in their car or bag— a chilling reminder, or a first sign for some, that someone is tracking their every move. This relentless surveillance leaves deep psychological scars, instilling a state of perpetual anxiety and fear and provides an opportunity for stalkers to conduct their behaviour in the physical world. Stalking, as defined by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, includes any persistent and unwanted behavior that causes fear or distress, ranging from sending gifts to damaging property.
Those experiencing abuse may be aware that they are carrying a key tracker and are forced by their abuser to carry it, others may not be aware that someone has access to be able to see their location.
Technology’s Efforts and Limitations
Whilst key trackers have existed for years, the launch of Apple’s AirTags popularised their use and simultaneously, the concerns around their misuse arose with the media reporting real cases of the distress that their use to track people, rather than objects, had inflicted on individuals.
In response, Apple has implemented safety features such as alerts when an unknown AirTag has been following a person. This has been available for Apple users for some time, but has recently been rolled out to some Android users too. Equally, the device will occasionally omit a sound when it has been separated from a device connected to the account it belongs to for some time. Other providers of similar devices have quickly followed suit with similar safety features. However, these measures are limited, addressing only a fraction of the broader issue. The real challenge lies in preventing the misuse of these devices for invasive tracking in the first place.
There is not only an issue in helping those impacted discover the devices, but also in assisting law enforcement investigations after the device is found. At the moment, there are two ways that technology providers can assist in these investigations: firstly, providing data to the government on the owner of the device (which can take significant time to acquire, if at all approved), and secondly, acquiring evidence (which requires having a suspect and knowing their Apple ID credentials).
A Call for Greater Protection, Awareness, and Support
To combat this issue, a multi-faceted approach is necessary. This includes technological solutions from companies like Apple. It is vital that companies selling tracking devices and those that have the capability to assist in searching for them, such as phone manufacturers, collaborate with each other to explore and create effective safety features that are accessible to everyone. Equally important are societal changes in how we view and respond to stalking, and robust legislation to protect individuals. Resources and support systems like The Cyber Helpline and the Suzy Lamplugh Trust play a crucial role in helping victims and survivors navigate these challenges and recover from the trauma.
A Heartfelt Plea for Change
The misuse of AirTags for stalking represents a profound violation of individual safety and mental well-being. As a society, we must acknowledge the emotional damage caused by stalking and work collectively to safeguard against these hidden threats. It's a call to action for tech companies, lawmakers, and every individual to stand in solidarity with victims and survivors and fight for a world where personal safety isn't compromised by the technologies meant to simplify our lives.
The emotional toll of stalking is profound, and recovery is a journey. If you or someone you know has experienced the misuse of Apple AirTags, access our Guide to dealing with trackers.
For cyberstalking and other criminal activities, visit our Guides, where we've curated resources to assist you in recovering from a variety of cyber attacks.
Authors: Nikki Webb & Charlotte Hooper
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