Dozens of stalking victims join AirTag class action suit

An AirTag on a bag

The class action suit was originally brought in 2022 by two women who accuse Apple of making an unsafe product. Both women are among many who have been stalked by ex-partners using the device.

As now spotted by Ars Technica, an amended complaint says that since the original filing, there has been an “explosion of reporting” of cases of stalking using AirTags.

“What separates the AirTag from any competitor product is its unparalleled accuracy, ease of use (it fits seamlessly into Apple’s existing suite of products), and affordability,” says the complaint filing. “With a price point of just $29, it has become the weapon of choice of stalkers and abusers.”

The filing now lists 36 complainants and says Apple “heedlessly forged ahead” with AirTag development “dismissing concerns and pointing to mitigation features that it claimed rendered the devices ‘stalker proof’.”

“The consequences have been as severe as possible: multiple murders have occurred in which the murderer used an AirTag to track the victim,” continues the filing. “Similarly, individuals have been murdered— or murdered others— when using AirTags to track down stolen property and confront the thieves.”

Throughout the filing, there are statistics such as how “in just one metropolitan area (Tulsa, Oklahoma), police have investigated 19 cases involving AirTags, with many ending in violence.” There are also detailed accounts of stalking incidents and even murder, which all involved AirTags.

The class action suit asks for a trial by jury. Amongst other issues, it asks for “an order enjoining Apple from further unlawful, unfair and/or fraudulent practices with respect to the design, manufacture, and release into the market of its AirTags.”

This amended suit has been filed with the US District Court, Northern District of California.

Apple has not yet responded publicly.

Separately, in 2022, Ohio House introduced a bill to criminalize AirTag stalking.