Technology
How your iPhone can check if someone is STALKING you with new AirTag tracker
APPLE’S AirTags are new trackers that can help you find lost belongings – but can stalkers use them too?
Fortunately the iPhone maker has built several features into the AirTag to stop stalkers in their tracks.
AirTags are a genius new invention from Apple[/caption]
AirTags were unveiled in April 2021, and are small electronic tags that can be attached to keys, backpacks, suitcases and more.
You can then use Apple’s Find My app to locate these items if you ever lose them.
They tap into the Find My network of devices, which flags up if an AirTag is near one of the millions of gadgets in the ecosystem.
And when you’re near an AirTag, you can use iPhone’s technology to accurately find the tag in a small space.
Some fear that these AirTags could be used by stalkers to keep tabs on victims.
But Apple has created a system that attempts to stop this.
You’ll be warned if an AirTag is tracking you[/caption]
If an AirTag registered to someone else is moving with you consistently, your iPhone will warn you.
It could be harmless, like you’ve borrowed a set of keys.
But this will alert you if someone has placed an AirTag on your person without your knowledge.
Of course, this alerting system doesn’t work if you’re not using an iPhone or iPad.
This means that it’s more difficult to detect a rogue AirTag if you’re an Android phone owner.
However, there’s another neat feature that could help you out.
Apple AirTags are a great way to find lost luggage[/caption]
If an AirTag has been separated from its owner for several days, it will begin making an alert sound.
This is ostensibly to help reunite lost belongings with their owners.
But it would also flag to an Android phone user that there’s an AirTag nearby that isn’t near to its owner.
The sound means that even if the AirTag is hidden deep inside a bag or coat, it would exposed to a potential victim.
It’s not a foolproof system, and sophisticated stalkers could still find ways to monitor you.
But ultimately, it’s possible that someone stalking you might prefer to use a third-party GPS tracker that has significantly fewer checks and balances than Apple’s gadget.
If you think you’re being stalked, you can contact your local police, or dial 999 if you or someone else is in immediate danger.
You can also get advice from the National Stalking Helpline on 0808 802 0300, which operates Monday to Friday 9.30am to 4pm (except Wednesday 1pm to 4pm).
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In other news, check out our live coverage of the Apple Spring event.
And take a look at the big updates from the event here:
- New iMac 2021 – a colourful update to the iMac with the powerful M1 chip on board
- New iPad Pro 2021 – a better screen, support for 5G internet, and the speedy M1 chip at its heart
- Apple AirTags – location-tracking tags that strap onto your keys or luggage, to be monitored using Apple’s Find My app on your iPhone
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