Court Allows Stalking Claims Against Apple AirTag to Proceed

A class-action lawsuit accusing Apple of facilitating stalking through its AirTag devices will continue, following a San Francisco judge’s decision to deny Apple’s motion to dismiss the case. Apple’s AirTags, introduced in 2021 as a tool for locating personal items like keys and luggage, have reportedly been misused for stalking purposes. Plaintiffs in the lawsuit argue that Apple has not adequately addressed the potential for such misuse, thereby revolutionizing the ease of location-based stalking. Despite Apple’s efforts to dismiss claims based on proactive steps taken to deter misuse, U.S. District Judge Vince Chhabria ruled that allegations of negligence and strict product liability under California law are sufficiently substantial to proceed, though he dismissed other claims.

The heart of the lawsuit lies in the allegations that Apple’s AirTag features, including unclear or delayed notifications and the inability to remotely disable the devices, have inadvertently facilitated stalking. Victims have reported emotional and financial harm as a result of being tracked without their consent. This ruling marks a significant moment in the ongoing debate over the responsibility of tech companies to mitigate the potential harm caused by their products. Apple had previously condemned any malicious use of AirTags and proposed updates to increase safety, as well as a partnership with Google to establish standards against secret surveillance. However, the lawsuit’s continuation underscores the critical need for accountability and measures to protect individuals from abuse facilitated by technology.