Apple faces over 30 lawsuits over AirTag stalking issues

Since its debut in 2021, Apple’s AirTags have become popular for tracking belongings, but they’ve also been exploited for stalking and unwanted surveillance. Over 40,000 reports of unauthorized tracking have been documented, prompting a wave of lawsuits against Apple.

Each lawsuit details personal stories of victims who were stalked or harassed using AirTags. The plaintiffs argue that Apple knew about the potential misuse but failed to implement sufficient protective measures at launch.

Internal documents and public reports reveal that Apple was aware of the risks, yet the anti-stalking features introduced are considered inadequate by those affected. The company admitted it should have consulted domestic abuse organizations before releasing the product.

While Apple added features like cross-platform alerts and sounds, these measures are seen as insufficient. Notifications can be delayed or disabled, making it easier for malicious users to track others without detection.

Victims’ stories highlight the dangers, including cases that ended in violence. The lawsuits seek damages and an order to prevent Apple from facilitating these harmful practices further.

The judge in the 2022 class-action case denied certification due to legal differences among states and the individual nature of each incident. Affected persons were advised to file separate lawsuits within 28 days.