Using an AirTags or other Find My-linked object to monitor someone without their permission is now explicitly prohibited in the fourth beta of iOS 15.4’s anti-stalking AirTag modifications, which Apple revealed earlier this month.
The setup page says, “You may find this item with the Find My network.” “In many parts of the globe, it is illegal to track someone with this device without their agreement. Victims will be alerted to the presence of this device, and police enforcement will be able to obtain personal information from the owner.”
Those who use AirTags and Find My-compatible devices from third-party firms as stalking tools should know that this is prohibited and may lead to criminal consequences, according to this warning from Apple. An upgrade to Apple’s software, which was announced earlier this month, will include a warning about the vulnerability.
Other changes expected in the upcoming beta include addressing an issue with unwanted tracking, which Apple has claimed it would fix. “Unknown Accessory Alert” warnings given by AirPods may be mistaken for AirTag notifications. “Unknown Accessory Detected” message cannot be shown by AirTags, which is triggered by AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, third-generation AirPods, and in rare situations, a Find My network accessory. “
No more mistaking non-AirTag gadgets for AirTag ones in the future, according to Apple’s new accessory identification policy.
We have verified that the message modifications are included in the latest iOS 15.4 beta, as well as a few other minor adjustments from Apple. Apple has removed the ability to turn off “Item Safety Alerts” in the Find My app in favour of “Customize Find My Notifications” and “Customize Tracking Notifications” in the Notification Center.
Both of these choices now lead to the Find My app’s Notifications options, but it’s unclear whether Apple will update this in the future to include more detailed settings.
Apple aims to add support for Precision Finding for unkn to its anti-stalking capabilities later this year.