10 Reasons AirTags May Be More Dangerous Than You Think

Apple’s AirTags, launched in April 2021, have sold millions of units, but their future depends on continued demand. According to iMore, Apple’s release of AirTags 2 hinges on whether the popularity of the original devices remains strong.

While these trackers have revolutionized item tracking through Apple’s Find My network, their rise has sparked significant controversy. Here are 10 unsettling truths about AirTags that might make you rethink their use.

1. AirTags Can Be Used for Stalking and Tracking

AirTags were designed to help find misplaced items, but they’ve been increasingly used for malicious purposes, particularly stalking. Criminals can slip these small devices into unsuspecting victims’ bags, cars, or even clothing to track their movements.

A 2022 report from the U.S. Department of Justice highlighted a troubling trend: AirTags are increasingly being linked to stalking cases, often leaving victims unaware they are being tracked.

As detailed by ABC News, offenders exploit the discreet nature of these devices to monitor individuals without detection, sparking widespread concerns about personal safety and privacy.

2. Apple’s Anti-Stalking Features Aren’t Foolproof

In response to these concerns, Apple introduced anti-stalking features, such as notifications to iPhone users when an unknown AirTag is detected moving with them. While this is a step in the right direction, these features are not perfect.

The alert may take hours, or even days, to trigger, and only works if the victim has an iPhone. Android users are left at a significant disadvantage, as they must download the “Tracker Detect” app to receive alerts—an extra step that not all users may take.

3. AirTags Are Vulnerable to Being Disguised and Hidden

The small size and discreet design of AirTags make them easy to hide. Malicious individuals can slip them into your bag, coat pocket, or even under your car.

There are reports of people finding someone else’s AirTags in their purses, coats, backpacks, and other belongings. Because of how easily they can be concealed, AirTags are especially dangerous, as you may not notice them until it’s too late.

4. AirTags Are Easily Accessible for Malicious Purposes

At just $29 per device, AirTags are easily accessible and affordable for anyone with malicious intent. Whether it’s a stalker or a thief, the low cost makes it possible for anyone to misuse them.

There’s no need for high-tech skills—simply purchase an AirTag, pair it with a device, and you can start tracking someone’s location. This widespread availability increases the risk of misuse, and unless people take active measures to protect themselves, they may unknowingly become targets.

5. AirTags Can Be Used to Track Vehicles

Vehicles are another target for AirTag misuse. Criminals have been known to place AirTags on cars to track their movements, which could lead to car theft or other crimes.

The device’s small size allows it to be discreetly attached to a vehicle’s undercarriage or hidden in the wheel wells, making it nearly impossible for the car owner to detect. As car theft and related crimes continue to rise, AirTags are becoming a favored tool for criminals who want to track vehicles before striking.

6. AirTags Can Compromise Your Personal Privacy

When misused to track someone’s movements, AirTags pose a significant threat to personal privacy. These devices operate within Apple’s expansive “Find My” network, which Statista estimates includes around 1.8 million active users.

By leveraging Bluetooth signals from nearby Apple devices, AirTags anonymously relay location data through iCloud, making them both highly effective and potentially invasive.

While Apple encrypts this data, the network’s vast scale creates risks. A malicious actor could exploit it to track someone’s location without consent, raising significant privacy concerns if the system is hacked or misused.

7. The Environmental Impact of AirTags

Though small, AirTags contribute to environmental waste in a way many may not consider. Like most tech gadgets, they have a limited lifespan and contain challenging materials to recycle.

The environmental toll increases as users discard old AirTags or replace them with newer models. In fact, as millions of these devices enter landfills or recycling centers, their impact on the environment cannot be ignored.

8. AirTags Can Be Hacked or Tampered With

AirTags rely on Bluetooth technology to transmit location data, which opens the door for potential hacking. Though Apple has added layers of security, no technology is entirely immune to cyberattacks.

Hackers could potentially hijack an AirTag’s signals or even tamper with its firmware, altering its functionality. This could lead to severe consequences, especially if the hacker is using the device to spy on someone or redirect its tracking signals to their own devices.

9. AirTags Can Lead to False Alerts and Panic

While AirTags’ anti-stalking features are designed to protect users, they can sometimes trigger false alerts. In some cases, people have reported receiving notifications that they were being tracked when they were not.

These alerts, though meant to be helpful, can cause unnecessary panic and anxiety. A false alarm could lead a person to believe they’re being followed when they aren’t, or vice versa, causing them to question their safety in public spaces.

10. AirTags Are Part of a Bigger Privacy Issue

AirTags are part of a growing trend of tracking devices that raise significant concerns about privacy and security. From fitness trackers to smart home devices, the ability to monitor people’s movements and activities is becoming more ubiquitous.

While Apple has attempted to safeguard privacy with encryption and other measures, the reality is that many people are unaware of the risks posed by these devices. The rise of tracking technology means that it’s increasingly difficult to maintain complete control over your own personal data.

Source:

1. iMore