As the Internet of Things (IoT) expands with innovative products to simply our lives, one has to wonder if the problems it solves are worth the dangers it creates. Take Apple's AirTag (AT) tracking devices for instance. Using a combination of sensors, wireless signals & Apple's Find My Network (AFMN), it’s designed to locate lost keys, bags, etc. But in the wrong hands, someone could use one of the small discs to find YOU. Unlike the innocent childhood game, Hide & Seek, where all parties have equal advantage, ATs can be secretly slipped into a bag or car to track a precise location, creating an eerie version of the beloved game. After all, how do you hide from someone who knows your exact position? Location tracking is concerning in cases of domestic violence, as abusers could use these gadgets to stalk their victims. Apple has built-in safeguards but they’re flawed. If you suspect a device is monitoring your locale, try doing a manual search of the belongings you take with you when you’re out. Bluetooth tracking apps can also scan your area to detect a nearby AT, as they use Bluetooth signals to connect to AFMN. If you find an AT, you can disable it to stop sharing your location by twisting counter-clockwise on the back by the Apple logo & removing the battery. Domestic violence experts caution anyone being tracked by a current or former intimate partner, to first create a safety plan & consult with a domestic violence service before turning off the tracker.
