William Gallagher
A lawsuit against Apple claiming that AirTags are "the weapon of choice of stalkers and abusers," has been joined by three dozen victims.
The class action suit was originally brought in 2022 by two women who accuse Apple of making an unsafe product. Both women are among many who have been stalked by ex-partners using the device.
As now spotted by Ars Technica, an amended complaint says that since the original filing, there has been an "explosion of reporting" of cases of stalking using AirTags.
"What separates the AirTag from any competitor product is its unparalleled accuracy, ease of use (it fits seamlessly into Apple's existing suite of products), and affordability," says the complaint filing. "With a price point of just $29, it has become the weapon of choice of stalkers and abusers."
The filing now lists 36 complainants and says Apple "heedlessly forged ahead" with AirTag development "dismissing concerns and pointing to mitigation features that it claimed rendered the devices 'stalker proof'."
"The consequences have been as severe as possible: multiple murders have occurred in which the murderer used an AirTag to track the victim," continues the filing. "Similarly, individuals have been murdered— or murdered others— when using AirTags to track down stolen property and confront the thieves."
Throughout the filing, there are statistics such as how "in just one metropolitan area (Tulsa, Oklahoma), police have investigated 19 cases involving AirTags, with many ending in violence." There are also detailed accounts of stalking incidents and even murder, which all involved AirTags.
The class action suit asks for a trial by jury. Amongst other issues, it asks for "an order enjoining Apple from further unlawful, unfair and/or fraudulent practices with respect to the design, manufacture, and release into the market of its AirTags."
This amended suit has been filed with the US District Court, Northern District of California.
Apple has not yet responded publicly.
Separately, in 2022, Ohio House introduced a bill to criminalize AirTag stalking.
Christine McKee
Marko Zivkovic
Wesley Hilliard
Malcolm Owen
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32 Comments
Simply…..DONT USE THEM
If you started the crusade against unsafe devices, please also sue gun, knife and baseball bat makers, the healthcare system for not being able to protect you against all disease and Mickey All Mighty for not bestowing unlimited luck on your souls.
Did the stalkers murder their victims with the airtags? Stupidity has no limits.
Job one: Roll out the more inclusive, complete, and discoverable tracking that partnering with Google promises without further delay. That would mitigate much of it.
Who should they sue for making a bad choice of partner?
The lack of empathy for victims of stalking, intimidation and violence facilitated by Apple's tracking technology in every post on this topic is stunning to me. What is wrong with you people??
For instance: "Simply…..DONT USE THEM" The victims aren't using them. AirPods are being used against them.
Or: "Who should they sue for making a bad choice of partner?" I feel sorry for anyone who chooses you for a partner.