Apple is facing a new wave of lawsuits in the United States over its AirTag devices, after several plaintiffs accused it of failing to provide adequate protection measures that prevent the device from being used to track people without their knowledge.

According to lawsuits filed in federal courts in California, the plaintiffs believe that Apple’s AirTag, which was launched in 2021 to help locate lost items, has been used in some cases as a means of tracking victims in real time, which they considered a danger to safety and privacy.

The plaintiffs pointed out that the ease of setting up the device, its accuracy in determining location, and its low price made it easier to misuse, and they demanded that the company take responsibility for those risks.

Apple added protection measures... but controversy continues

The lawsuits accuse Apple of failing to take adequate action despite receiving thousands of reports related to unwanted tracking cases since the launch of AirTag. The plaintiffs also believe that the company has dealt with the problem after it occurred, rather than developing more effective preventive means.

to prevent misuse of the device from the outset.
 

The cases are still in their early stages, but the continued filing of similar lawsuits could lead to them being consolidated into a single or multi-district case, which could expedite the litigation process.

In contrast, Apple confirms that it has added security features to iPhone and iPad devices over the past years. The user receives a notification when an unknown tracking device is detected moving with them. It is possible to play a sound from the device or use the “Find My” feature to locate it. The company also advises checking bags, vehicles, and personal luggage, keeping information about the tracking device, and contacting authorities if the user feels threatened.

Protection means are not limited only to Apple devices. Android system also provides a feature for detecting unknown tracking devices, sending notifications to the user with instructions on how to locate the device and disable it when needed, as part of efforts to reduce the use of tracking devices in illegal surveillance.

AirTag is a small-sized smart tracking device developed by Apple to help users locate their personal belongings such as keys, bags, and wallets. The device works with the “Find My” app, which allows displaying the location of the lost item on the map. It can also emit a sound to facilitate finding it when it is in close proximity. AirTag relies on the Find My network that takes advantage of millions of Apple devices around the world to locate it securely and encrypted, making it an effective means for finding lost items. It is supposed to be equipped with security features aimed at reducing its misuse in tracking people without their knowledge.