Apple Faces Lawsuit as Tracking AirTag Tool Turns Stalker

Apple introduced AirTags with a clear goal of assisting users in finding lost or misplaced items such as luggage, AirPods, and more. However, the business did not consider the potential stalking nature of the AirTags, which has created a separate issue for Apple, which is now facing a legal struggle over the misuse of AirTags by stalkers.

Two women in the United States have filed a class-action lawsuit against Apple

The lawsuit claims that Apple's AirTag design and marketing downplayed the risk of stalking and failed to implement sufficient safeguards. Apple reportedly attempted to have the lawsuit dismissed in the United States. Still, those efforts were unsuccessful, and the company is now facing a legal battle accusing it of releasing a low-cost product that has become a preferred weapon for stalkers. Apple needs to do more to protect customers from some of these functions. 

The case against AirTags alleges that Apple failed to focus on the product's safety designs, which do not protect users if and when the product (AirTags) is misused. AirTags are not the first product on the market to have tracking features, but the complaint is directed explicitly at Apple, which has done its best to safeguard the AirTags when used for stalking. The lawsuit argues that AirTags are easily accessible to potential stalkers and lack features that would prevent them from being used for malicious purposes. Some suggestions include requiring mandatory user registration for AirTags, creating a more comprehensive audible range for the tracking alert, and improving the notification system for unintended tracking.

The situation raises concerns about the potential dangers

According to the lawsuit, the most severe issue with the AirTags is that stalkers may purchase the device for as little as $29 (about Rs 2,500), making it inexpensive and accessible to everyone. The lawsuit is ongoing, and it's unclear what the outcome will be. This situation raises concerns about the potential dangers of tracking technology and the need for robust security measures.

Apple attempted to address the stalking issue with an iOS version and integrated it with the Find My network, which aims to deter any potential stalker efforts via AirTags. However, the device's general engineering prevents it from making significant changes to the product, which is essentially intended for purposes that Apple did not consider; therefore, it cannot be held liable for third-party actions.