The judge has denied Apple’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit regarding AirTag’s potential for stalking.
On Tuesday, a judge refused to grant Apple’s request to dismiss a class-action lawsuit that alleges stalkers are exploiting AirTag devices to monitor victims, and that the company has not taken sufficient measures to prevent this.
29美元的AirTags自2021年发布以来，已成为热门商品，帮助用户追踪任何东西的位置，从丢失的钥匙到钱包和行李。但是，这些小型蓝牙设备固定在钥匙链上或存放在包包中，以便用户可以追踪个人物品
The $29 AirTags, released in 2021, have gained popularity as a useful tool for keeping track of important items such as keys, wallets, and luggage. These small bluetooth devices can be attached to key chains or stored in bags and purses to easily locate personal belongings.misused by stalkers
Individuals who continuously monitor the movements of their targets.
In December of 2022, numerous individuals took legal action against Apple, claiming that they were being stalked by users of AirTags. They argued that Apple did not do enough to prevent these risks and should have taken additional measures to safeguard victims. The plaintiffs asserted that AirTags greatly enhanced the extent, range, and simplicity of location-based stalking, and that the existing safety measures are insufficient.
The New York Police Department is utilizing Apple AirTags as a new strategy to prevent car thefts.
According to Chhabria, Apple’s assertion that they were not required by California law to take additional measures to limit the effectiveness of AirTags for stalkers may be accurate. However, it is too soon to definitively state this.
During the ruling, Chhabria presented arguments from both Apple and the plaintiffs. These arguments discussed the remaining claims of victims being stalked by former partners or others using AirTags attached to their cars, which caused emotional and financial harm.
According to Friday’s ruling, there have been three instances where AirTags were reported to have malfunctioned, making it difficult for the victims to comprehend its tracking system and stop it immediately. These issues include unclear or late notifications and the inability to remotely deactivate the devices, which supposedly prolonged the act of stalking.
“I am thankful for the chance to persevere with this vital legal action,” said Gillian L. Wade, a lawyer representing the individuals bringing the case. In an email to The Associated Press, she stated, “The trend of invasive and hazardous location tracking is on the rise, making it crucial for us to speak up for the victims and demand accountability and reform.”
Apple and its legal representatives did not immediately reply to inquiries for comment on Tuesday.
In February 2022, before the class action was filed, Apple stated that it strongly condemns any malicious use of its products. The company also announced planned updates to enhance safety.
In the previous year, Apple collaborated with Google to put forth a suggestion focused on establishing criteria for addressing covert monitoring on AirTags and comparable devices.
Specialists have been cognizant of the weaknesses of the labels since their debut in April 2021. Geoffrey Fowler, a technology columnist for The Washington Post, examined the tags upon their initial launch.described them as being “terrifyingly good”
I apologize for the inconvenience.
I regret that this may lead to tracking and potentially enabling stalkers.
According to Fowler, a coworker placed an AirTag inside his bag with his consent and monitored his movements for a week.
“At the time, Fowler informed CBS News Streaming that while cycling around town, my bike could consistently provide my current location every few minutes.”
He stated that this particular technology can be both beneficial and harmful, thus prompting the need for further discussion.
Source: cbsnews.com