Ohio working on new bill prohibiting the tracking of people with AirTags
AirTag is helping Apple users track lost and stolen items for the past year. However, some have been using the tracking device for more nefarious purposes. Ohio’s news station discovered a loophole that permits electronic tracking of people.
Back in February, 3News reported an incident involving an Akron woman whose car was tracked with an AirTag. The alarm on her AirTag was what woke her up and made her want to contact the Akron police for help. After checking her car, police found an AirTag inside her car’s rear bumper – likely placed there from an ex-boyfriend.
The investigation led 3News to uncover that in Ohio, those with no prior pattern of stalking or domestic violence could potentially get away with AirTag stalking – without penalty. The station then formed an analysis and found that there are at least 19 states with laws against electronic tracking. Ohio isn’t one of them.
HB672 to outlaw tracking people
In order to change this, 3News has been advocating for bipartisan legislation to ensure protection against unwanted tracking. The Ohio Statehouse’s local lawmakers supported the bill and it was lobbied by both Democrats and Republicans.
Due to this effort, two representatives have announced the introduction of a new bill, HB672 in the Ohio House. This would “generally prohibit a person from knowingly installing a tracking device or application on another person’s property without the other person’s consent.”
Pennsylvania also works on this issue in its state and proposes legislation to criminalize AirTag misuse.
Apple is also working to improve its anti-stalking procedures for AirTags. Apple has recently released a privacy alert for anyone setting up an AirTag. A new firmware update emits a sound to alert you when there is an unidentified AirTag among your items, making it easier for you to locate them.
You can read the full bill as the story continues to develop.
9to5Mac’s Take
I’m happy that Ohio and other states are taking steps to punish those who misuse AirTag. Meant to track lost items, stalking people is absolutely not what the device is intended for. We’ve just started year two with AirTag – maybe by year three things will continue to improve. I’m hopeful that we will be able to make AirTags more secure and less stalking-proof despite all of the negative reviews. As a state where everyone seems to be from, this is one step in the right direction for the buckeyes.
More on AirTag:
- AirTag helps Australian photographer recover over $7000 worth of stolen gear
- Some iPhone users receiving ‘phantom’ AirTag privacy alerts, Apple shares temporary fix
- AirTag firmware update enhances unwanted tracking alert