Tile has largely avoided the criticism leveled at Apple for the privacy concerns raised by its AirTag trackers, remaining quietly in the background as the tech giant rushes to release features that could reduce the risk of stalking. Tile is now more proactive, taking similar precautions to keep fingers from pointing in its direction.
This week, Tile is releasing a “Scan and Secure” feature for its app that will allow users to scan for and view any unwanted trackers that may be lurking nearby. The feature, which is similar to the app that Apple provides for Android users, will be available as a free update to the Tile app on both iOS and Android.
To some extent, the app should prevent its small tracking devices from being used for illegal activity such as stalking or stealing. However, because the feature isn’t built into your mobile device, users must do their part by downloading the app and initiating a scan. This is true even for non-Tile customers who may not want to have anything to do with these trackers. At the very least, you don’t need a Tile account.
Bluetooth, Location Services, and Precise Location must all be turned on to use the feature. You can then start the scan, but you must walk or drive away from your original location before the feature will work. When the scan is finished, it will generate a report that will reveal any suspicious tracking devices in the area.
Concerns about privacy in relation to these useful lost-item finders reached a fever pitch following the release of Apple’s AirTags. The company was chastised for failing to consider adequate safeguards, and within months, reports of AirTags being used for stalking surfaced. AirTags are also being used to steal cars, according to recent reports.
In our own simulated stalking scenario, the AirTags’ built-in notification system failed to alert users when a mysterious tracker is following them around. We didn’t get any notifications, despite the fact that the AirTags owner was away from the device and tracking our poor victim’s location the entire time (they were aware of this, FWIW).
Apple now says it will work with law enforcement to provide paired account details if police issue a subpoena or “valid request” as part of its effort to prevent AirTags from being used in illegal activity. It now sends an alert to your device in addition to a beeping sound, which was added after AirTags were sold on Etsy without their speakers.
