The rise of Apple’s AirTags has sparked concern about their potential misuse for stalking and unwanted tracking, particularly against vulnerable individuals. Despite recommendations from various guides to utilize Bluetooth scanners for locating these devices, Eva Galperin, the director of cybersecurity at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, warns that this approach is often unreliable. Galperin has experimented with multiple Bluetooth scanning tools, noting that they frequently fail to detect AirTags effectively.
According to recent estimates, millions of Americans do not possess smartphones, which complicates the process of identifying hidden AirTags. The devices resemble small, circular discs slightly larger than a quarter. A noteworthy incident reported by The New York Times highlighted an individual named Ashley Estrada, who unearthed an AirTag affixed under her vehicle’s license plate. Her TikTok video documenting the discovery garnered over 22 million views, illustrating the alarming attention surrounding this issue.
Originally, AirTags emitted a beeping sound if they were separated from their owner for more than three days. However, Apple has since reduced this window to 24 hours or less. Despite this modification, relying solely on audible alerts may not be sufficient. Numerous videos available online demonstrate techniques for disabling the speaker function of AirTags, and there have even been listings for silent versions on platforms like Etsy, indicating evolving tactics among malicious users.
In the event that an individual does locate an AirTag, the most effective means of disabling it is to remove its battery. To do so, one should turn the device so that the metal side with the Apple logo is facing upwards, press down on the logo, and rotate it counterclockwise to access the battery compartment. Apple advises that if someone feels threatened due to an unwanted tracking situation, contacting local law enforcement is essential. Law enforcement can collaborate with Apple to obtain information on the AirTag, which may include its serial number needed for further inquiries.
The serial number can often be retrieved simply by tapping an iPhone or other NFC-enabled device to the white side of the AirTag, leading to a webpage showing the serial number and potentially a partial phone number of the device owner. If identification through scanning is not an option, a serial number is also printed beneath the battery cover.
Cases of unwanted tracking are predominantly reported within the context of female victims, as indicated by the accounts circulating online. However, Galperin highlights the importance of not framing this issue as gender-specific. Her experience working with victims of tech-enabled abuse reveals that while about two-thirds of those affected are female, a significant portion are male. The societal stigma surrounding male victimhood often leads to underreporting, obscuring the broader implications of tech-enabled stalking that affects all genders.
Galperin stresses that all individuals, regardless of gender identity, can be victims or perpetrators of abuse. Oversimplifying these narratives can deter a wider range of victims from seeking help. The phenomenon of tech-enabled abuse transcends traditional stereotypes, posing risks to any individual. Resources are available through organizations dedicated to addressing domestic violence, ensuring that support is accessible to all affected by these threats.
As the dynamics of tracking technology evolve and societal awareness increases, understanding the nature of these threats becomes essential for business owners and professionals. Prudent cybersecurity measures and a robust awareness of tracking technologies can mitigate risks, ensuring safety in an increasingly connected world.
