Apple Inc. encountered a setback in court as it failed to dismiss a lawsuit accusing its AirTag devices of facilitating stalking. US District Judge Vince Chhabria in San Francisco ruled in favor of three plaintiffs, allowing their claims of negligence and product liability to proceed while dismissing others.
Approximately three dozen individuals filed the class-action suit, contending that Apple disregarded warnings about the risks associated with AirTags. They argued that under California law, Apple could be held accountable for misconduct involving the tracking devices.
Judge Chhabria upheld three claims, noting that the plaintiffs alleged significant safety defects in AirTag’s features that contributed to their injuries during stalking incidents.
While Apple asserted it implemented “industry-first” safety measures, the judge emphasized that it’s premature to determine whether the company fulfilled its obligations under California law.
An Apple spokesperson declined immediate comment on the ruling. The lawsuit accuses Apple of negligently releasing AirTag despite warnings from advocacy groups, leading to its misuse for surveillance purposes. Priced at $29, AirTag has allegedly become a preferred tool for stalkers and abusers.
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Although Apple introduced features to alert users of potential tracking, the lawsuit argues they are insufficient in preventing misuse. Tile Inc. faces similar accusations regarding its tracking devices connected to Amazon.com Inc.’s Bluetooth network, raising concerns about inadequate protections against stalking.
The legal battle underscores growing concerns about privacy and safety in the era of wearable tracking devices, prompting scrutiny on tech companies’ responsibility in addressing misuse.
