Apple has released the AirTags in its technology-filled event, bringing what was awaited by the public for an accessory that would complement those who misplace different objects from time to time. However, it was recently discovered that the AirTags may be used to stalk people, by simply putting it on another’s personal effects, and tracking could ensue.
(Photo : Lance Somoza (@SyrinxStarman) from Twitter)
While this creepy way may not be what Apple has intended for the tracking device, it could certainly function that way because it reveals a location of a certain object even outside of the intended Bluetooth range. Apple’s April 20 Spring Loaded may have intended a device to find lost or misplaced objects, but it may also be used for unwanted applications, such as stalking people.
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How Can AirTags be Used to Stalk People?
According to a report by Mashable, AirTags is a simple device that can reveal another object’s location despite not being an electronic or digital gadget that has digital footprint. Think of it this way, the AirTags may resemble a tracking device popularized in spy and action movies that are small and discreet, mostly inserted on a victim’s pockets or bags.
This is the same way that the AirTags can be used to stalk people, by putting it on someone’s bag, pocket, or attaching it at one of their things which they would bring every day. Moreover, even outside the Bluetooth range, it may still function via the “Find My iPhone” app, which reveals its exact location.
How to Stop AirTags to Stalk People?
(Photo : Screenshot from Twitter post of @SheHub)
If you are a victim or a suspecting one, there are ways to stop this from happening, even without alerting the perpetrator that you have discovered a hidden AirTag in your personal effects. Apple has released a support document with regards to this issue, hopefully, to provide more insight and let users know if they are being stalked.
iPhone Method
(Photo : Apple Official Blog)
The iPhone method requires a device that is updated to the latest iOS 14.5, which would help users disable the AirTags using one’s phone, which could also be detected using it.
What this does is that an updated iPhone (iOS 14.5) will notify a user that an AirTags is within their Bluetooth range, especially if it is not something that is registered to their device. Users may then play a sound to find the AirTags or verify its ownership if it is a borrowed object.
Battery Method (Android users/non-iOS users)
Android users or people without iPhones may have a harder time detecting a stalker AirTag, and the only way is to rummage through one’s bag and look for the device. Upon finding it, users may opt to remove the battery instead of the dramatic “crushing it under one’s boot” to disable its stalking functions.
Push down and twist counterclockwise to open the device and remove its battery.
Lost Mode
If users found an object with an AirTag attached, they can detect it using the iPhone method and trigger “Lost Mode” to contact the owner that has lost the said object.
An AirTags has three days before it starts to play sounds on its own, but once the “stalker” comes near the Bluetooth range of the AirTags, the device resets to another 72 hours.
Related Article: Rumors Claim iPhone’s Find My App Has a Hidden AirTags Debug Mode on iOS 14.5: How to Use It?
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Written by Isaiah Richard
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