Apple has launched the "Find My" beta version of iOS 18.2, which allows users to share AirTags and the network location of objects with specific third parties and airlines. This feature can help users find lost items. This new iOS feature, part of the iOS 18.2 public beta, is now available in most regions around the world and will soon be available as a free software update for all users of iPhone Xs or later.
Users can create a shared item location (Share Item Location) in the "Find My" application on iPhone, iPad or Mac. Recipients of the link share can view the tracking on another website and display the object's location on an interactive shared map. As new locations appear, the site will automatically update and display a timestamp of the most recent update. When the user recovers the lost item, the shared location will be deactivated. The user can deactivate the shared location at any time. The system defaults the sharing function to expire after seven days.
Apple works directly with airlines to put the system in place using existing Apple devices on many airlines. Permissions for each link will be limited to a limited number of parties, and recipients will need to authenticate to use their Apple account and email. View this link.
More than 15 airlines will join the service in the coming months, including Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Air New Zealand, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Eurowings, Iberia Airlines such as KLM, Lufthansa, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, Virgin Atlantic and Vueling Airlines use "Share Item Location" as part of their customer service. Search for lost luggage.
Apple will also work with SITA WorldTracer, the baggage tracking system used by more than 500 airlines and ground handlers at more than 2,800 airports around the world.
Concerns about personal data leakage using shared object locations
The shared object location function is built on the Find My network. It uses Bluetooth to wirelessly detect nearby lost devices or items and shares their approximate location with a third party. The entire process is end-to-end anonymous and encrypted. It is said that Apple or "Find My ” Part manufacturers and others cannot view the device’s location or information without authorization.
AirTags exploited by stalkers, victims file class action lawsuit
In December 2022, Apple was collectively sued by dozens of victims, who said they were tracked by AirTags and claimed that Apple failed to take adequate measures to curb the behavior of "stalkers." Apple's AirTags have become a hit since their release in 2021, and can be used to locate lost wallets, luggage, or anything else. However, it has been abused by stalkers and turned into a criminal tool. Apple's motion to dismiss the class action lawsuit was rejected by the judge.
AirTag has also become a "monitoring artifact" in divorce proceedings. During divorce proceedings, a woman placed an AirTag in the other half of the truck to track her husband's whereabouts and broke the law.
Although Apple's new version of Find My's Share Item Location has enhanced verification, it cannot prevent intentional people from placing AirTags in other people's luggage or transportation without their knowledge to track their whereabouts, according to Apple's press release No preventive measures have been proposed in this regard. Since the beta version is still in progress, the latest news will be continuously updated in the future.
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This article is reprinted with permission from: (Lian News)
"Apple AirTag new object positioning is coming! Let you find a lost item that was used by a stalker? "This article was first published in "CryptoCity"
