Two women from Detroit have initiated a lawsuit against Apple, alleging that the company’s AirTag device was used by their former partners to track their movements without consent. The suit, filed on August 10 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, contends that Apple’s anti-stalking measures for the AirTag are insufficient.
Identified as Jane MH Doe-1 and Jane WP Doe-2 to maintain anonymity, the plaintiffs claim that their ex-partners utilized AirTags to monitor their locations. One woman reported that her former partner consistently appeared at her whereabouts during the summer, despite her not disclosing her plans. The other discovered an AirTag concealed in her vehicle’s wheel well, which she believes was placed there by her ex-partner to track her movements.
Apple introduced the AirTag in April 2021 as a compact tracking device designed to help users locate personal items like keys and wallets. Recognizing potential misuse, Apple incorporated features intended to deter unauthorized tracking. These include alerts to iPhone users when an unknown AirTag is detected moving with them and periodic beeping from the AirTag when separated from its owner for an extended period.
However, the effectiveness of these safeguards has been questioned. Reports have emerged of individuals being unaware of AirTags tracking them until they received notifications or discovered the devices by chance. In some instances, victims have reported that the alerts were delayed or did not occur at all, raising concerns about the reliability of the anti-stalking features.
This lawsuit is not the first of its kind. In December 2022, a class-action suit was filed in San Francisco by two women who alleged that AirTags were used by their ex-partners to track them. The complaint described the AirTag as the “weapon of choice of stalkers and abusers,” emphasizing its affordability, accuracy, and ease of use. By October 2023, the number of plaintiffs in that case had grown to three dozen, highlighting the widespread nature of the issue.
In response to these concerns, Apple has made efforts to enhance the AirTag’s safety features. The company has released updates to improve the timing and consistency of alerts and has worked to educate users on recognizing and responding to unwanted tracking. Despite these measures, incidents of AirTag misuse continue to surface, indicating that further improvements may be necessary.
The Detroit lawsuit underscores the ongoing challenges tech companies face in balancing product functionality with user safety. As tracking devices become more prevalent, it is imperative for manufacturers to prioritize robust anti-misuse features and for users to remain vigilant about potential privacy invasions.
