Apple announced Thursday that it has updated its AirTag, a small object intended to more easily find its keys, wallet or bag, in order to avoid abusive or illegal uses, such as tracking a person without their knowledge. Launched last April, the AirTag makes it possible to locate the object with which it is associated thanks to an application. The device works with iPhone, iPad or iPod touch and is tracked via Bluetooth. But it was quickly used to track people or objects like cars in order to steal them at the best time. Also Apple has implemented new measures to strengthen security, starting with a message clearly explaining to the installation of the application that tracking people without their consent is a crime in many countries and that the authorities can ask identify the owner of an AirTag.
The Californian group points out that it has already cooperated with the police by providing serial numbers and Apple account information when it received a warrant. Apple plans to subsequently install a tool allowing people receiving an alert from an AirTag that does not belong to them to locate precisely where the object is. Apple also wants to improve its program to detect unsolicited tracking to warn users even earlier that an AirTag moves at the same time as them. “AirTag was designed to help people locate their belongings, not to track the people or property of others, and we condemn in the strongest terms any misuse of our products,” Apple said in the statement. message announcing updates.