Apple releases update on AirTag to crack down Misuse and Stalking

AirTags have been used to deter theft and track shady movers, but unfortunately there were reports that indicated the tracking accessories have been used for stalking.

Apple has announced that they will be implementing many updates to their Find My network, an effort to crack down on instances of AirTag trackers being used for criminal activities or stalking people.

Apple says the company is working with law enforcement about the misuse of AirTags, which they believe is rare. However, Apple added that “each instance is one too many. AirTag was designed to help people locate their personal belongings, not to track people or another person’s property, and we condemn in the strongest possible terms any malicious use of our products.”

In an upcoming software update, the tech giant will launch a number of changes on AirTag and the Find My Network, including adding a new privacy warning advising users during the setup stage that AirTags are connected to their Apple ID and that using the device for stalking is a crime.

Other updates include a fix on a confusing bug with accessory alerts, an updated article on unwanted tracking outlining both the new and existing safety features built into AirTags and other Find My network accessories.

The iPhone creator also announced that they are investigating some other updates that it plans to introduce later on this year. These other updates include a new Precision Finding feature that will let users of the iPhone 11, iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 to detect and pinpoint the location of unwanted AirTags.

The Cupertino company says they are also working on a feature to alert users of an unwanted AirTag’s presence on their own Apple devices. These on-device notifications will also let them do something about it, such as using Precision Finding to locate it or playing a sound on the AirTag.

Other important updates include tuning the AirTag’s tone sequence thus making it easier to find, as well as changes to unwanted tracking alert logic that should notify users that there’s an unwanted tracker as soon as possible.

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