Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Palestinian Ministry of Health: Two were martyred in Israeli shelling that targeted a besieged house in the town of Qabatiya in Jenin
At least 68 dead in migrant shipwreck off Yemen: IOM
Trump: We want to feed the people in Gaza, we do not want them to starve.
US President Donald Trump: We will impose sanctions on Russia if it does not end the war on Ukraine.
Israeli media: Polls show that 52% oppose Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu while only 29% support him.
Israeli media: 32% of Americans still support "Israel's" war on Hamas, while 60% oppose it.
Israeli media: Core US support for "Israel" hits its lowest, while support for Palestine reaches its highest levels.
Al Mayadeen's correspondent reports martyrs, injuries in Israeli bombardment of home in Heker al-Jame area in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza.
Al-Quds Governorate: Today, the spatial division of Al-Aqsa Mosque began in a public and dangerous manner, and we warn of a religious war in the region
The Ministry of Health in Gaza: This brings the total number of victims of famine and malnutrition to 175, including 93 children

Apple's AirTag used for criminal activities, victims file complaints

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: Agencies
  • 15 Feb 2023 10:31
3 Min Read

Airtags are being used to track people's whereabouts, sometimes for criminal activities, leading Apple to work with law enforcers in harassment cases.

  • x
  • Apple unveils AirTag, in this still image from the keynote video of a special event at Apple Park in Cupertino, California, U.S. released April 20, 2021. Apple Inc./Handout via REUTERS
    Apple unveils AirTag in this still image from the keynote video of a special event at Apple Park in Cupertino, California, US on April 20, 2021 (Apple Inc./Handout via Reuters)

Apple’s AirTag digital tracking sensor was created for those who tend to lose their belongings. It is placed on the item one wishes to track to avoid losing it, enabling them to track it on their iPhone through the Find My app to know its exact location. Apple now finds itself the subject of lawsuits from people who have been harassed using the brand’s tracking product.

Read more: Apple warns of flaw that invites hackers into iPhones, iPads, Macs

The coin-sized gadget can be attached to the wallet, backpack, or any other object one needs to know its whereabouts. When it is linked to a smartphone app, people can track the geographic location of their belongings.

However, some have been using the $29 product to trail people carrying those objects, without their consent or knowledge.

What was originally a solution to locate lost items turned into a predicament real quickly when multiple people reached out to Apple in anger after being harassed by those using AirTags.

"I felt violated. I retreated. I stopped going out," said singer Alison Carney in June 2022 after finding out her ex-boyfriend had been tracking her using the AirTag. 

The singer discovered an AirTag in her bag, which helped her make sense of several situations where her ex would show up at places she was in.

Related News

Inside the AI world: Profiling, weapons, 'Israel' & people pleasing

Nvidia flooded with site bids for 'Israel' project

Other instances took place where people fell victim to criminal activities by perpetrators using the tracking device. Last summer, a suspicious girlfriend tracked her boyfriend and ended up killing him, according to court documents. 

Several other incidents are being investigated and most of them include two parties, the victim and the stalker, who know each other. 

Read more: Apple takes a bite out of user privacy

Spouses, partners, and even exes are using them to track one another. Some are tracking their children. Others are even tracking famous people. 

Evidently, not all victims are speaking up for fear of retribution. Others who went to court called Apple out for its "insufficient warning system."

Apple devices are constantly scanning for unknown devices or accessories nearby. As for Andriod devices, users would need to download a specific app in order to specifically look for an accessory, AirTags included. This was called an unpractical approach since Andriod users should not have to spend their time constantly checking that they're not being tracked. 

Apple became aware that individuals can become victims of unwanted tracking, stressing that they have been working with safety groups and law enforcement agencies to evaluate the harassment cases and to update the device’s safety warnings to guard against future victims.

As a result, Apple added new privacy warnings during AirTag setups. They also added a display alert with a loud sound that alerts nearby people of its presence.

  • technology
  • violation
  • sexual harassment
  • Apple

Most Read

A rescued crew member from the ETERNITY C vessel in a video released by the Yemeni Armed Forces on July 28, 2025 (Yemeni Military Media)

Yemen Navy reveals fate of targeted Eternity C ship crew

  • Politics
  • 28 Jul 2025
An Israeli tank explodes following an ambush by al-Qassam Brigades in Gaza, Occupied Palestine, undated (Al-Qassam Military Media)

Al-Qassam strikes Israeli vehicles in Gaza, inflicts casualties

  • Politics
  • 30 Jul 2025
UAE lodges complaint against Israeli ambassador over 'misbehavior'

UAE lodges complaint against Israeli ambassador over 'misbehavior'

  • Politics
  • 1 Aug 2025
Protesters chant anti-Israeli slogans as they carry a banner that reads:" Freedom for Palestine, Alliance stop the war," during a demonstration in support of Palestinians in Gaza, outside the Israeli embassy, in Athens, Monday, June 9, 2025 (AP)

Athens mayor slams Israeli ambassador over Gaza war, graffiti claim

  • Politics
  • 3 Aug 2025

Coverage

All
The Ummah's Martyrs

Read Next

All
A member of the al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, takes part in a parade as he celebrates a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and the Israeli regime in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, Sunday, January 19, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Al-Qassam: We’ll allow aid to Israeli captives if Gaza siege ends

Freed Lebanese freedom fighter Georges Abdallah during an interview on Al Mayadeen, which aired on Sunday, August 3, 2025 (Al Mayadeen screengrab)
Politics

Exclusive: Resistance key to building state, Georges Abdallah says

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres gives a statement about the situation in Gaza at UN headquarters, Friday, June 27, 2025 (AP)
Politics

UN warns Gaza faces water crisis, looming famine under Israeli siege

Israeli soldiers drive their armored personnel carrier along the Gaza Strip, in southern occupied Palestine, Wednesday, July 30, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Ex-Israeli general says Gaza starvation campaign isolated 'Israel'

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS