Pennsylvania Attorney General and Democratic gubernutorial candidate Josh Shapiro joined a nationwide conversation on Apple AirTags on Wednesday, alerting Pennsylvanians of the dangers they can pose.
AirTags are keychain-sized tracking devices created by Apple as a way to help people find important personal items like car keys or wallets.
However, as Shapiro noted in a media release, the small devices have become a vessel for continuous "malicious misuse" as people use them to stalk others or steal cars.
The Attorney General's office noted victims of AirTag tracking have discovered the devices in their purses, coat pockets and cars, and others received notifications they were being tracked without finding an AirTag in their possession.
Plus, those automatic tracking notifications are only available for iPhone users, putting the millions of Android owners at a higher risk of being tracked long-term without their knowledge.
For those who own an iPhone 6s or newer and have the iOS 14.5 software or newer on that phone, they will receive a notification if an unknown AirTag is nearby. Then, individuals can locate and disable the device by using their phone's "Find My" app and removing its battery.
Meanwhile, Android users must download a free Apple-developed app called Tracker Detect, which can be downloaded from Google's Play Store. Once individuals accept the application's Terms and Conditions agreement, they scan for all nearby Bluetooth trackers.
However, Android users are at a disadvantage because they must manually scan for trackers as opposed to Apple users, whose devices automatically scan for unknown devices 24/7.
Shapiro noted the difference in AirTag identification capabilities in his release to Pennsylvanians on Feb. 16 and stressed the importance of widespread, baseline knowledge of their potential harm.
“It’s vital all Pennsylvanians, especially women and survivors of sexual assault and abuse know about how these devices can be misused and turned into a threat,” said Shapiro. “In the wrong hands, these tracking devices could lead to disaster. Pennsylvanians should know what to watch out for and how to protect themselves.”
See below for the Attorney General's office full list of recommendations and safety precautions for Pennsylvanians and AirTags. Shapiro noted anyone who knows or believes they were tracked by an unknown device should report it to their local law enforcement.
- Listen for unfamiliar beeping. When an AirTag is separated from a familiar device for some time, the AirTag will start to make a beeping noise. If you hear this beeping noise, try to locate its source. AirTags can be stuck in various places including in bags and pockets, under cars, inside of bumpers, and the back of license plates. If you find an unfamiliar AirTag, hold your smartphone up to it to receive information about the AirTag including its serial number. Write down this information, then disable the AirTag by using the instructions on the screen or by removing the AirTag’s battery, and call your local law enforcement for assistance.
- Watch for “Item Detected Near You” notifications on iPhones. If your iPhone has been close to an unfamiliar AirTag or other accessory for a prolonged period of time, you may receive a notification on the Find My application stating, “Item Detected Near You”. Tap this message and it will allow you to play a sound on the AirTag in order to find it. You will also be able to use the app to receive information about the AirTag and disable it. Be sure to write down any information you learn about the AirTag before disabling it and call your local law enforcement for assistance. This Find My feature only works if your device is running iOS or iPadOS 14.5 or later, so be sure to keep your device’s operating system up to date.
- If you have an Android device, download Tracker Detect from the Google Play Store. If you hear unfamiliar beeping, you can use Tracker Detect on your Android device to find any unfamiliar AirTags within your Bluetooth range. Please note that you will have to manually scan the area using the app, it will not scan for devices automatically.
- Know that not all unfamiliar AirTags are malicious. While it is important to be careful, AirTags are sometimes legitimately lost by their users, and your device will alert you regardless. If an AirTag has been reported lost, your Find My notification will give you information to allow you to return it.
- Check for updated guidance. Apple has issued guidance on how to deal with unknown AirTags or Find My alerts. If you come across any issues, check with Apple for updated guidance.
- Update your Apple device’s operating system. Apple is implementing new safety measures, so make sure you update your Apple device’s operating system regularly.
- Know that it's not just Apple AirTags that can be misused in this way. Tile, GPS Trackers, and similar products could potentially pose a similar risk. Check your personal belongings if you received any suspicious notifications of your location being tracked.
