By: Tristan Hill
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (UATV) — The Apple AirTag device has been used by many to help keep track of everyday items like keys and wallets since it was released onto the market six months ago.
For some University of Arkansas students, however, these devices have a much more dangerous use.
One student who wishes to remain anonymous said that she and a friend both realized they were being tracked with AirTags.
The student said that she wasn’t able to locate the one placed on her, but she knew it was there because her phone alerted her that she was being followed by an AirTag that didn’t belong to her.
The AirTags are designed to prevent tracking in this way, by letting iPhone users know if they’ve been followed for an extended period of time by an airtag that isn’t registered to them.
The problem, however, is that oftentimes a person using the device to track someone will already know the individual’s location before they get the alert.
The student said it’s just one more thing that women have to be vigilant about.
“Already as women, we’re already scared to go outside at night,” she said. “Walking alone is something that we’re already taught not to do and then that happens, like, I didn’t want to go out after that.”
In light of the recent events, authorities want to assure students that tracking via AirTag is a crime and can be prosecuted as stalking or even harassment.
“The technology is new but the crime, the criminal acts, are not and we encourage anyone who’s had a problem like that to make a police report, have an investigation and try to get to the bottom of it,” said Captain Gary Crain with the University of Arkansas Police Department.
As for the student, she said she hopes the university will take additional measures to make sure this doesn’t become common on campus.
“I think there needs to be more cameras in the parking lots and on the streets because honestly I haven’t seen any where I park or where I walk,” she said.
UAPD wants to remind students that they can make reports or leave anonymous tips through the campus SafeZone app, and it’s important to file a police report if you are a victim of AirTag stalking because that will allow police to investigate.