Are You Being Tracked? How Apple Airtags are Being Used for Stalking Purposes

Ohio is in the progress of passing a bill in the Senate that would make the illegal use of a tracking device its own criminal offense. This act, labeled Senate Bill 100, is in response to the alarming cases in the past year of Apple AirTags being used for the purposes of theft and stalking. Some legislators believe creating an independent charge for the malicious use of trackers will help victims of Airtag stalking report the crime to the authorities.

What Is AirTag Stalking?

When Apple released the AirTag last year, it was intended to help customers find easy-to-lose belongings, such as their keys and wallet. Unlike other tracking appliances that employ GPS technology, AirTags emit a Bluetooth signal that uses the location data from nearby Apple devices to alert the owner about its location. Attaching an AirTag to these items allows you to locate them through your phone no matter where you misplace them.

However, in the months following the product’s release, multiple reports were being filed about criminals sticking the small and unassuming AirTags on people’s cars, in their bags or even in their pockets without them knowing.

An Akron woman found an AirTag tacked onto the underside of her car that she later reported was put there by her ex-boyfriend. And she’s not alone. Other women have also reported finding AirTags they don’t own on their person or attached to their vehicles.

The fact of the matter is that the AirTag is accessible to criminals, who historically (and inevitably) quickly adopt new technologies for malicious uses. These trackers are easy to hide due to their small and thin appearance and can be easily purchased for just $30 with no background check or detailed consumer record keeping.

The simplicity and affordability of this tool combined with a recent spate of criminal activity has spurred lawmakers into action, leading to Ohio’s Senate Bill 100, which makes employing a tracker for the menacing purpose of stalking someone its own offense. Transgressing this law would be classified as a first-degree misdemeanor, punished with either a $1,000 fine or up to six months in jail.

Senate Bill 100 will help victims of AirTag stalking get proper attention from the authorities. As it stands, it may be difficult for those who’ve suffered from AirTag stalking to prove a pattern of behavior. Creating an independent offense for the unlawful use of a tracking device makes it easier for victims to show what they’re going through to the police and pursue a civil claim for damages that result from the illegal behavior.

How To Protect Yourself from AirTag Stalking

As we wait for this bill to be approved, it’s important for you to know how to defend yourself against AirTag stalking. Since there haven’t been many AirTag stalking cases, the chances of it happening to you are rare, but even Apple has said the rising frequency is problematic.

Apple has implemented software updates to combat the trend, including notifying iPhone users if an unknown AirTag is following them. Android users can’t receive these notifications. Apple did release an app that will allow those with an Android phone to get the unknown AirTag alerts; however, even then, it only works when the app is open.

To keep yourself safe, make sure you frequently check your pockets, purse or bag and your car for planted AirTags or any other strange items you don’t own, especially if your belongings have been recently handled by other people or if you were in a large crowd.

We Have Helped Process Hundreds of Personal Injury Cases Related to Stalking and Will Help You With Yours

If you live in Ohio and are dealing with an AirTag stalking case, the team at the Buckeye Law Group will help you file a civil claim against the person whose malicious or criminal actions harmed you. Victims may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages and emotional and psychological pain and suffering. We’ll work hard so that you may get justice for what you’ve gone through. Speak to one of our lawyers today about your options by giving us a call at 1-800-411-PAIN or by visiting our website.