Apple’s AirTag devices will soon be subject to software updates aimed at advancing security and privacy features, the company announced on Thursday. The new steps come after some people reported that the bullies were using the small Bluetooth device to track their movements.
“AirTag was designed to help people locate their personal belongings, not to track someone else’s people or property, and we condemn in the strongest possible terms any malicious use of our products,” Apple said in a statement. .
Apple said the updates will include an alert for users during AirTag setup that clarifies the illegality of using the device to chase others, and that law enforcement can request and access information. AirTag, including the Apple ID with which you are registered, if applicable.
In the same software update, Apple said it will update its “Unknown Accessory Detected” alerts to exclude certain versions of AirPod headphones. If these AirPods travel with a person, they will be notified that they are headphones, rather than an “unknown accessory”.
The company is also investigating a number of upcoming AirTag updates, including precision search, which would allow those receiving “Unknown Accessory Detected” alerts to accurately locate the AirTag. Other potential updates include making the sound louder and sending the “Unknown Accessory Detected” alert sooner.
“We expect this to start a trend in the industry so that others can also provide this kind of proactive warning to their products,” Apple said.
An AirTag is activated when paired with an Apple product and is attached to an item, such as luggage or keys, to indicate the location of the item in real time. But some people have reported that the bullies use AirTag to track down victims by attaching tags or their belongings without consent.
A woman told Lisa Edition’s chief investigative correspondent Lisa Guerrero that she found an AirTag in her car’s gas tank. She then received an alert on her iPhone that an “unknown accessory” was following her. Another alleged victim reported that she felt “helpless” when she discovered that a stranger was tracking her.
Apple on Thursday insisted that, based on its discussions with law enforcement, “incidents of misuse of AirTag are rare.” The company said it is actively working with officials on all AirTag-related incident reports. “We have successfully partnered with them in cases where the information we provided has been used to track an AirTag to the perpetrator, who was then arrested and charged,” Apple said.
The company advised those with iPhones who receive an AirTag alert to tap it and press the “Play sound” button, which should make a noise to play from the tag so you can find it.
When you find an unknown AirTag, keep an iPhone or NFC-enabled smartphone close to the tag, and a notification will appear leading you to a website that provides tag information, Apple said on its website. of updated resources.
Android users who detect unknown tags can download a Tracker Detect app to see if an AirTag is traveling with them.
Apple encourages those who feel their security is at risk to contact local law enforcement.
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