You can use Apple’s AirTag quite easily to stalk someone. Throw the tracker in someone’s bag and you can follow them accurately via the Find My app. iPhones have had a warning system for this for some time, but Apple has now also released an Android app to prevent stalking with AirTags.
In the Google Play Store, Android users can access the app Tracker Detect Search. The app allows you to run a scan to find nearby trackers that are compatible with Apple’s Find My network. These are not only AirTags, but also other trackers such as the Chipolo ONE Spot.
The app specifically looks for trackers that are separated from their owners. If a tracker moves with them for more than ten minutes, the app can recognize this and plays a sound so that you can easily find the tracker. This way you will always be informed if you have a tracker in your bag or jacket that is not yours.
The Tracker Detect app then explains how to remove the battery, but also explains how to hold an NFC-enabled smartphone near the tracker to get more information, for example about the tracker’s owner.
Criticism
There is also criticism of the app, for example from people who use an AirTag to find their belongings in the event of theft. In theory, a thief could use the app to scan the car he just stole to find the AirTag and throw it away.
The app also does not always work optimally, according to various users.
Using Tracker Safely
Apple now has a user manual published with tips to use the AirTag safely. Here you can read about the different ways to control and change what kind of data you share and how to protect your device if someone else got their hands on it. There’s even a checklist to go through if you suspect someone else is accessing your data or device.
You will also find some general tips to keep your data safe, for example by updating your Apple software, a strong password and to enable Touch ID.
Have you just bought an AirTag and do you want to know exactly how the tracker works? In this article we explain how to use the AirTag. We also list some AirTag alternatives for Android.
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