SAN FRANCISCO, California — A class action lawsuit against Apple over the alleged use of its AirTags for stalking purposes will proceed, as a judge in California has denied Apple’s request to dismiss the case. The plaintiffs in the lawsuit claim that the AirTags, which are priced at $29, have become a favored tool for stalkers and abusers. They argue that Apple rushed the product to market without sufficient safeguards to prevent its misuse for stalking.
The lawsuit, initially filed in December 2022, accuses Apple of negligence and product liability. The plaintiffs assert that the design of the AirTag was flawed and did not meet the safety expectations of ordinary consumers. US District Judge Vince Chhabria ruled that the lawsuit can move forward, citing the plaintiffs’ claims of substantial safety defects causing their injuries.
While Judge Chhabria acknowledged that Apple may argue that it was not legally required to do more to prevent stalkers from effectively using AirTags, he emphasized that such a determination cannot be made at this early stage of the case.
In its motion to dismiss the lawsuit, Apple maintained that it should not be held responsible for third-party misuse of the AirTag product to track individuals without their consent. The company condemned any misuse of its products and stated that it actively assists law enforcement in investigations related to unwanted tracking. Apple also highlighted its proactive implementation of anti-stalking features and encouraged other manufacturers to adopt similar safety measures.
Following the initial release of AirTag in April 2021, Apple introduced additional anti-stalking measures in February 2022. These measures included improved tracking alerts, notifications, and updates to how the AirTag responds when separated from its owner. Shortly after Apple’s implementation, Tile, another Bluetooth-tracking device manufacturer, announced similar plans to enhance its anti-stalking measures.
The ruling in favor of allowing the lawsuit to proceed signifies a potential legal challenge for Apple as it faces accusations regarding the safety and suitability of its AirTags. The case will now enter the next phase of litigation, where both parties will present their arguments and evidence before the court.