Location tracking¶
GPS-enabled tracking devices are small and easily concealed. An abuser may hide a device in a bag, clothing, or vehicle. The GPS receiver built into a phone is another vector: location data is not automatically shared with third parties, but several mechanisms can expose it.
Tool |
Claims |
Platform |
|---|---|---|
Item trackers |
Android and Apple devices |
|
Item trackers |
Android and Apple devices |
|
Phone tracker |
Android |
AirTags are small, puck-shaped trackers intended for locating lost items via the Find My app. They use ultra-wideband technology and Apple’s device network to report location. AirTags have been documented in use by stalkers tracking individuals without their knowledge. Apple responded with anti-stalking alerts for iOS users. Google subsequently rolled out a feature on Android to alert users when an unknown Bluetooth tracking device is travelling with them, with guidance on what to do if one is found.
Precision Finding (for locating an AirTag to within centimetres) requires an iPhone 11 or later with iOS 14.5 or later.
Resources¶
Android will now warn about unknown Bluetooth trackers, like AirTag, travelling with you, TechCrunch, July 2023