Apple AirTags
A device used to track. The Apple AirTag is an electronic device for the purpose of tagging and tracking objects and possessions such as everything from your keys and wallet to your backpack or luggage. It is a type of Tracking device that uses ultra-wideband to communicate with other devices of capable technology. AirTag offers Bluetooth connectivity for proximity finding. But it goes one step further with ultra wideband.
Privacy Concerns: This device and ultra-wideband technology has very alarming privacy concerns. Anyone that owns an apple device, such as an iPhone, iPad, or iMac is vulnerable to having their cellular and data connection USED WITHOUT CONSENT by another person's Air Tag to transmit telemetry data in real time, at any time.
If you own an iPhone 11 or iPhone 12, both of which have a U1 chip, you’ll be able to use the AirTag’s Precision Finding feature. The so-called U1 chip is behind this new "force everyone to share their data connection" ultra-wideband technology. The iPhone leverages UWB (Ultra Wideband) to determine the distance and direction to the nearby airtag. It can even tap into anyone's iPhone camera, ARKit, accelerometer and gyroscope.
Apple claims they built in a number of safeguards with the AirTag to protect your privacy and prevent tracking, but there's clearly room for improvement. According to Apple, only you can see where your AirTag is and your location data and history are never stored on AirTag. Apple also says that all of the location data is encrypted and that Apple doesn’t know the location of your AirTag (unless they want to).
Your iPhone can notify you if an AirTag that's not yours is traveling with you. And you’ll be able to play a sound on that rogue AirTag to locate it and get instructions on how to disable it. Plus, an AirTag that’s separated from its owner for an unspecified period of time will start playing a sound when it's moved, alerting you to its presence. Apple does not specify how long it takes to receive this safety alert, which is troubling.
As of early 2022, we've seen <a href="https://www.tomsguide.com/news/more-alleged-airtag-stalking">numerous reports</a> of <a href="https://www.tomsguide.com/news/airtag-stalking-incidents">women telling police</a> that their iPhones reported unknown AirTags mirroring their movements, and also of <a href="https://www.tomsguide.com/news/airtag-car-thefts">AirTags being used by car thieves</a> to locate desirable vehicles.
