'AirTags' appear to include privacy features to stop unwanted tracking

AppleInsider said:

One of the code strings reads "If you feel your safety is at risk due to this item, contact your local law enforcement. You may need the serial number of this item."

Another piece of evidence indicates that Apple could alert users with an "unknown accessory detected" prompt if they are carrying a tracking device that doesn't belong to them. "This item has been moving with you for a while. The owner can see its location," an alert reads.

Apple may also provide instructions on how to disassemble an unfamiliar "AirTags" tracking device so that users can stop sharing their location.

The security and safety features should help address concerns about unwanted tracking and stalking, such as if a bad actor surreptitiously places an AirTag device in someone's bag.

Other "AirTags" evidence found within the first iOS 14.3 beta include information on the initial setup process, apparent compatibility of the Find My app with third-party tracking devices, and a feature that allows a user to scan an AirTag and bring up its owners information.

What if the "target" is not an iPhone user?

mike1 said:

AppleInsider said:

One of the code strings reads "If you feel your safety is at risk due to this item, contact your local law enforcement. You may need the serial number of this item."

Another piece of evidence indicates that Apple could alert users with an "unknown accessory detected" prompt if they are carrying a tracking device that doesn't belong to them. "This item has been moving with you for a while. The owner can see its location," an alert reads.

Apple may also provide instructions on how to disassemble an unfamiliar "AirTags" tracking device so that users can stop sharing their location.

The security and safety features should help address concerns about unwanted tracking and stalking, such as if a bad actor surreptitiously places an AirTag device in someone's bag.

Other "AirTags" evidence found within the first iOS 14.3 beta include information on the initial setup process, apparent compatibility of the Find My app with third-party tracking devices, and a feature that allows a user to scan an AirTag and bring up its owners information.

What if the "target" is not an iPhone user?

Good question. 

Rayz2016 said:

mike1 said:

AppleInsider said:

One of the code strings reads "If you feel your safety is at risk due to this item, contact your local law enforcement. You may need the serial number of this item."

Another piece of evidence indicates that Apple could alert users with an "unknown accessory detected" prompt if they are carrying a tracking device that doesn't belong to them. "This item has been moving with you for a while. The owner can see its location," an alert reads.

Apple may also provide instructions on how to disassemble an unfamiliar "AirTags" tracking device so that users can stop sharing their location.

The security and safety features should help address concerns about unwanted tracking and stalking, such as if a bad actor surreptitiously places an AirTag device in someone's bag.

Other "AirTags" evidence found within the first iOS 14.3 beta include information on the initial setup process, apparent compatibility of the Find My app with third-party tracking devices, and a feature that allows a user to scan an AirTag and bring up its owners information.

What if the "target" is not an iPhone user?

Good question. 

Then they don't get notified. Apple is doing its best, but there's only so much they can do. They can't make Google implement it, and they've done anything else.

Rayz2016 said:

mike1 said:

AppleInsider said:

One of the code strings reads "If you feel your safety is at risk due to this item, contact your local law enforcement. You may need the serial number of this item."

Another piece of evidence indicates that Apple could alert users with an "unknown accessory detected" prompt if they are carrying a tracking device that doesn't belong to them. "This item has been moving with you for a while. The owner can see its location," an alert reads.

Apple may also provide instructions on how to disassemble an unfamiliar "AirTags" tracking device so that users can stop sharing their location.

The security and safety features should help address concerns about unwanted tracking and stalking, such as if a bad actor surreptitiously places an AirTag device in someone's bag.

Other "AirTags" evidence found within the first iOS 14.3 beta include information on the initial setup process, apparent compatibility of the Find My app with third-party tracking devices, and a feature that allows a user to scan an AirTag and bring up its owners information.

What if the "target" is not an iPhone user?

Good question. 

I wonder if they will include some sort of time-out feature. If the Air Tag doesn’t sync up with the owner’s phone after a while, maybe it stops transmitting real time information?  

This is to help you find your own items (keys, wallet, iPad...) and you are not likely to need to track them for days.  I can even imagine you could disable the time-out feature if you report your device missing or stolen...

So these are more for lost items than stolen items.  If a thief has an iPhone and gets informed that the stolen item is following them, they can use the instructions to disable the stole items tag !