Apple announces update to AirTag amidst security concerns

Apple is making changes to its tracking device AirTag as it has been used by some bad actors to track people unbeknownst to them.

The AirTag was released in April last year as a product to help Apple users find their keys, important items and even track their pets. 

The AirTag had made it easy for people to track strangers by putting the small tracking device in their belongings or hidden on their car.

Videos posted on TikTok show women finding out through an iPhone notification that there is an unrecognised AirTag device near them, normally in their car or bags.

The iPhone maker said it has been actively working with law enforcement on all AirTag-related requests it has received. However, it said the misuse of AirTags is “rare; however, each instance is one too many”.

The company said, “Every AirTag has a unique serial number, and paired AirTags are associated with an Apple ID. Apple can provide the paired account details in response to a subpoena or valid request from law enforcement.

"We have successfully partnered with them on cases where information we provided has been used to trace an AirTag back to the perpetrator, who was then apprehended and charged.”

Apple said it has identified additional improvements it can make in the information it shares and the educational resources it provides, and will be taking action, including making updates to its law enforcement documentation.

Some of the updates Apple will be making include, new privacy warnings during AirTag setup, address alert issues of AirPods and updated support documentation.

Apple will be updating its unwanted tracking support article on apple.com/au to communicate the safety features built into AirTag, AirPods and Find My network accessories.

According to the company, “This page now includes additional explanations of which Find My accessories may trigger an unwanted tracking alert, more visuals to provide specific examples of such alerts and updated information on what to do after receiving an alert, including instructions for disabling an AirTag, AirPods or Find My network accessory.”