Recent viral TikTok videos have been promoting GPS tracking devices marketed as undetectable, encouraging users to secretly monitor their romantic partners. These videos have garnered millions of views, and sales metrics indicate that over a hundred thousand units have been sold through TikTok’s Shop feature.
The Promotion of Stalking Devices
One such video, which has amassed 5 million views, begins with the statement:
If your girl says she’s just out with friends every night, you’d better slap one of these on her car—no, it is not an AirTag, it’s a real GPS tracker.
The video proceeds to demonstrate various hiding spots for the tracker, such as placing it in a plastic bag in the trunk, magnetically attaching it to the car’s underside, or concealing it beneath the hood.
The narrator emphasizes the device’s stealth capabilities:
Unlike AirTags, this thing doesn’t make a sound, doesn’t send alerts; she will never know it’s there. It’s tiny, black, magnetic; hide it under the seat, in the trunk, wherever. It’s got its own SIM so you can track her anywhere in the world, no Wi-Fi, no Bluetooth, just raw location data whenever you want it.
The video further encourages viewers to use these devices to monitor friends or partners suspected of dishonesty about their whereabouts.
Another video asserts:
Not everyone who uses this is crazy; they just want answers.
Some videos reference specific events, such as:
Don’t let what happened at the Coldplay concert happen to you, accompanied by the hashtag #coldplay.
Others depict scenarios like:
She seriously didn’t trust me, so you know what, I put one in hers too.
Legal and Ethical Implications
Tracking individuals without their consent is not only unethical but also illegal in many jurisdictions. Despite claims that these trackers are undetectable by Apple’s Find My feature, this assertion is misleading. Many one-star reviews from buyers reveal that the devices do not function as advertised.
The Reality of ‘Undetectable’ Trackers
Ironically, the GPS trackers being marketed as undetectable are, in fact, Find My-enabled accessories. Apple mandates that any device certified for the Find My network must incorporate anti-stalking protections similar to those in AirTags. These protections include alerts for iPhone and Android users and audible chimes if the tracker moves with an individual who is not the owner over a certain period. Contrary to the claims made in the videos, these devices do not possess their own cellular data capabilities.
Apple explicitly states on its support site for Find My network accessories:
They should not be used to track people and should not be used to track property that does not belong to you.
The creators behind these viral videos appear to prioritize quick profits over legal and ethical considerations, likely reselling bulk GPS trackers from wholesale platforms.
TikTok’s Content Policy and Response
TikTok’s content policy explicitly prohibits:
Any violent threats, promotion of violence, incitement to violence, or promotion of criminal activities that may harm people, animals, or property.
According to reports, some of the concerning videos brought to TikTok’s attention have been removed. However, many similar videos continue to circulate on the platform.
As of the time of writing, the misleading undetectable GPS tracker with its purported own cellular data remains available for purchase on TikTok Shop for $10 USD.
The Broader Implications
The ease with which such devices can be marketed and sold on a major platform like TikTok is alarming. It underscores the need for stricter content moderation and enforcement of policies that prevent the promotion of tools designed for unethical and illegal activities.
On a positive note, the exposure of these videos brings attention to bad actors who believe these trackers are effective, potentially leading to increased scrutiny and action against such practices.
TikTok’s apparent laxity in monitoring and regulating the products sold through its Shop feature raises concerns about user safety and the platform’s commitment to ethical standards. This issue extends beyond GPS trackers, as other viral videos have demonstrated methods for covertly installing voice recorders in vehicles, further highlighting the platform’s role in facilitating invasive surveillance tactics.
Industry Response and Legal Actions
The misuse of tracking devices like Apple’s AirTag has led to significant legal and industry responses. In May 2023, Apple and Google announced a partnership to develop an industry specification aimed at addressing unwanted tracking. This initiative seeks to create a universal system for iOS and Android to detect and alert users about unauthorized tracking accessories. Companies including Samsung, Tile, Chipolo, Eufy, and Pebblebee have expressed interest in supporting this technology.
In April 2024, Apple released iOS 17.5, introducing Cross-Platform Tracking Detection. This feature enables iOS devices to identify not only AirTags but also third-party item trackers that use the new protocol. Users receive an Item Found Moving With You alert if an unknown tracker is detected, and the Find My app assists in locating and disabling the device.
Legal actions have also been taken to combat unauthorized tracking. In May 2024, Pennsylvania’s House of Representatives voted to make the use of tracking devices for secretly monitoring another person a third-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 90 days in jail. This legislation reflects growing concerns about the misuse of tracking technology for stalking and other illicit activities.
Conclusion
The promotion and sale of GPS trackers for unauthorized surveillance on platforms like TikTok highlight significant ethical, legal, and safety concerns. While technological advancements offer convenience and security, they also present opportunities for misuse. It is imperative for tech companies, legislators, and society at large to collaborate in establishing and enforcing measures that protect individuals from invasive and harmful practices.
