News + Trends

This is how Apple wants to prevent unwanted tracking with AirTag

11.2.2022

Translation: machine translated

Apple wants to make stalking with its Bluetooth tracker AirTag impossible or at least more difficult. The company has already strengthened warnings and is looking into further measures so that unwanted tracking is detected more quickly.

Bluetooth trackers like the AirTag are designed to keep an eye on objects or make it easier to find them again. However, the small parts are also misused. Reports of unwanted tracking and stalking using AirTags are now so numerous that Apple has taken action.

Every AirTag can be assigned

Perpetrators cannot remain anonymous with an AirTag. Apple points this out in its press release.

Jeder AirTag hat eine eindeutige Seriennummer und gekoppelte AirTag sind mit einer Apple-ID verbunden. Apple kann die gekoppelten Accountdaten als Reaktion auf eine Vorladung oder eine rechtsgültige Anfrage von Strafverfolgungsbehörden zur Verfügung stellen.

Apple-Pressemitteilung vom 10. Februar 2022

According to its own information, Apple has already cooperated with law enforcement agencies and contributed to the arrest and prosecution of perpetrators.

More information, faster noticing and easier finding

Apple cites three items that it says are already helping to combat unwanted tracking, and four other ideas under consideration.

Clear notice when setting up an AirTag about the potential criminal liability of tracking people without their consent and about sharing information with law enforcement.
Update of the support article on unwanted tracking with hints on how to detect it and how to proceed. So far, however, the page is only available in English and only with further links to help facilities in the US, UK and Australia.
AirPods are named as such in the security notice, are no longer an "unknown accessory" in the notification, and thus no longer trigger a "false alarm."

The following measures are currently under review:

Unknown AirTags should be able to be located with an iPhone 11, 12 or 13 via "Exact search". This allows a potential victim who fears being tracked unwantedly to find the trigger of the alarm more quickly.
If an AirTag automatically plays a sound to be found, a security alert will appear on nearby devices. This way, the sound would at least be seen on the smartphone in noisy environments or if the speaker is tampered with.
There should be faster, i.e. after a shorter time, notification of an unknown AirTag in the vicinity.
There are to be further tones that can be played after a security alert on the unknown AirTag. In this way, a suitable one can be chosen, which can be heard best in the respective environment.

However, all these measures will only help you against unwanted tracking if you use an iPhone. On an Android smartphone you have to install the AppTrackerDetect to protect yourself from stalking with AirTag. Our colleague Dominik has described what it is and how it works here.

News + Trends
Android App for AirTag: Apple protects Google users
by Dominik Bärlocher

17 people like this article

Jan Johannsen

Senior Editor

Jan.Johannsen@galaxus.de

When I was but a young student, I'd sit in my friend's living room with all my classmates and play on his SuperNES. Since then I've had the opportunity to test out all the newest technology for you. I've done reviews at Curved, Computer Bild and Netzwelt, and have now arrived at Galaxus.de.

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