NEW YORK – Apple announced improvements to its AirTag coin-sized monitoring devices on February 10 to prevent them from being used to discreetly track people rather than just retrieving missing keys, wallets, or other objects.
AirTags, which were introduced early last year, are supposed to be attached to items that people frequently misplace, wirelessly synching to iPhones, iPads, or iPod Touch devices to signal where they can be found.
AirTags were rapidly reported to be used for more nefarious purposes, such as being discreetly installed on a car to later steal it or track where the owner goes.
“We’ve become aware that individuals can receive unwanted tracking alerts for benign reasons, such as when borrowing someone’s keys with an AirTag attached,” Apple said in a post.
“We also have seen reports of bad actors attempting to misuse AirTag for malicious or criminal purposes.”
Apple stated that it has been collaborating with law enforcement and safety organisations to prevent misuse, which it maintains is uncommon.
When an unidentified AirTag is found in range, newer iPhone models will notify owners of a “unknown accessory detected.”
The AirTag software is being upgraded to display a warning the first time it is used, informing users that tracking people without their agreement is a criminal in many jurisdictions, and Apple will share the identities of owners with police if warranted.
Apple has stated that it is working on enabling iPhones to more precisely pinpoint AirTags in order to assist consumers in locating any planted without their knowledge.
“AirTag was designed to help people locate their personal belongings, not to track people or another person’s property,” Apple said in the post.
“We condemn in the strongest possible terms any malicious use of our products.”
Apple published software late last year that allows Android-powered smartphones to detect the presence of an AirTag. — AFP
