Apple Required to Confront Class-Action Lawsuit Regarding AirTags Stalking Allegations

A court decision mandates Apple to confront a lawsuit claiming AirTags have become the preferred tool for stalkers and abusers.

Bloomberg reports that a judge in San Francisco has decided Apple cannot avoid a lawsuit alleging the company was negligent regarding the stalking risks posed by its AirTags. Although US District Judge Vince Chhabria dismissed most of the claims in the class-action lawsuit, he ruled against dismissing the suit entirely, focusing on the allegations of three plaintiffs. These plaintiffs claimed that significant flaws in the AirTag’s safety features contributed to their stalking incidents and resultant harm.

According to Bloomberg, the lawsuit claims Apple ignored warnings about the potential misuse of its Bluetooth item trackers, making it liable under California law. Despite Apple's disagreement, after releasing AirTags, the company introduced safety measures to prevent stalking, such as updates that trigger a loud sound from the AirTags when they are separated from their owner and alerts about unfamiliar trackers. Additionally, Apple and Google have collaborated to set industry standards aimed at curbing the abuse of tracking devices.

However, the lawsuit contends that AirTags have become a favoured tool for stalkers and abusers, as reported by Bloomberg. The legal action was initiated in the Northern California district court.

Besides being used for stalking, AirTags have been utilised by car thieves to track potential targets. Conversely, Washington D.C. has distributed the devices to certain residents to assist in quickly locating stolen vehicles. Additionally, the devices have proven effective on multiple occasions for tracking down stolen luggage.

Apple isn’t the only company whose devices are being accused of being used to assist stalked. Tile is facing a similar lawsuit now regarding its tracking device’s lack of protection against stalking.