According to Apple, the AirTag is a secure little device that cannot be turned into malicious use, but The Washington Post disagrees. The newspaper did an experiment calling the tracker an “efficient, cheap” stalker.
The Washington Post: ‘AirTag is ideal for stalking’
Columnist Geoffrey Fowler asked a colleague to follow him for a week via the AirTag in his backpack. Although Fowler knew he was being tracked, the AirTag’s built-in anti-stalking features weren’t good enough.
For example, the Apple tracker only gives a signal after three days of walking around that something is wrong. The AirTag does this by playing a sound for 15 seconds. According to The Washington Postjournalist, the volume is too soft to notice this properly.
During the test week, Fowles’ colleague was able to determine his location continuously to within a few meters, even when he was moving. As soon as the columnist was home, the location could be viewed within a few meters.
Fowler calls the AirTag in his column a “cheap, but very effective way” to stalk someone. He believes that Apple is doing too little to prevent this.
Apple responds
In an interview with the newspaper, Apple says the AirTag has “common deterrents” to deal with stalkers. Apple: “The AirTag is a smart and adaptable system. We are therefore doing everything we can to continuously improve the current antistalking functions. ”
The Washington Postjournalist Fowler also asked Apple if the company has sought advice from organizations fighting stalking and domestic violence. Apple did not want to answer that.
More about the AirTag
The Apple AirTag looks very simple at first glance, but the device can do more than just find stuff. Some people use the tracker, for example, to easily find a parked car or bicycle. What else do you need to know before buying an AirTag? You can see it in the video below.
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Research: ‘AirTag can very easily be used for stalking’
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Opinion: AirTag shows the practical, but boring future of augmented reality
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AirTag first impression: a tiny and practical device
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Set up AirTag: pair the smart tracker with your iPhone or iPad
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AirTag teardown: this is what the smart tracker looks like on the inside