Apple acknowledged that AirTags and the ‘Find My’ tracking app could allow unsolicited tracking of individuals, and said it would change the way it alerts users to any “unknown accessories” that could track them.
AirTags were intended to be paired with personal items that could easily be lost, such as keys, wallet or purse, but it has been seen that they can also be used to track contacts and information outside of it. Moreover, recent reports have also shown that modified AirTags and similar tracking devices with other security features disabled are starting to be sold online.
Apple’s announcement does not contain any updates on concrete, proactive solutions to the problem, instead stating that Apple is working with law enforcement (when subpoenaed) to prosecute criminals and will also update Find My app with the new setup language . If an AirTag is paired with an Apple device, the user will see a warning that it is illegal to track individuals without their knowledge.
Despite all this, the big problem underlying AirTags is still not solved. A device small enough to monitor keys could well be used to track people unnoticed. In this respect, what kind of measures Apple and other manufacturers will take is eagerly awaited.
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