Apple’s Legal Battle Over AirTag Misuse Advances

Apple's Legal Battle Over AirTag Misuse Advances

VoM News Desk | March 18, 2024 | 11:51 PM IST | Tech | Follow on Google News

Apple’s Legal Battle Over AirTag Misuse Advances

Apple’s Legal Battle Over AirTag Misuse Advances

US District Judge Vince Chhabria in San Francisco ruled that three plaintiffs in a class-action lawsuit against Apple Inc. presented sufficient claims for negligence and product liability regarding the company’s AirTag devices. The lawsuit, filed by around three dozen individuals, alleges that Apple ignored warnings about the potential risks associated with AirTags, leading to their misuse for stalking purposes. The surviving claims assert that the AirTag’s safety features were flawed, resulting in injuries to the plaintiffs when they were stalked.

Judge’s Ruling on Plaintiffs’ Claims

Apple argued that it had incorporated industry-first safety measures into the AirTag design and should not be held responsible for the product’s misuse. However, Judge Chhabria determined that it was premature to conclude whether California law required additional safety measures. As a result, he allowed the three plaintiffs to proceed with their claims, indicating ongoing legal scrutiny over the product’s safety features and potential liability under California law.

Implications for Tech Industry

The lawsuit highlights concerns about the effectiveness of safety features in tracking devices like AirTags and their potential misuse for surveillance and stalking. Similar allegations have been raised against Tile Inc., suggesting deficiencies in its tracking devices’ protections against stalking when connected to Amazon.com Inc.’s Bluetooth network. The outcome of this case could have broader implications for tech companies developing and marketing similar tracking products, as it underscores the importance of robust safety measures and accountability for potential misuse.

In conclusion, while Apple faces legal challenges over the AirTag’s alleged role in facilitating stalking, the decision by Judge Chhabria to allow certain claims to proceed indicates ongoing legal scrutiny over the product’s safety features and potential liability under California law.

VoM News Desk

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