4 ms·

Seems like Apple should be easily able to identify the original owner of the AirTag. Do they do this if the police request this [or substitute whatever lawful m

by et2o 5y ago

Seems like Apple should be easily able to identify the original owner of the AirTag. Do they do this if the police request this [or substitute whatever lawful mechanism]? I assume this kind of tracking activity is criminal but am not sure.

cromka 5y ago
Part of the innovative FindMy protocol so widely discussed here a while ago is that no other party can identify the owner of the device except the owner – or those with whom the owner shared the device location. EDIT: Well, as others pointed out, indeed having physical access to a device changes things. The serial number is rather tied to an iCloud account, so Apple, if subpoenaed, should be able to identify its owner (but not their location).
- javagram 5y ago
  While the protocol may not expose it, the device itself could have a serial number that might be associated with a specific user? EDIT: that seems to be exactly the case, see https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=29277376 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=29277376
  - cromka 5y ago
    That doesn't mean Apple knows who the owner is. In that case, the owner of the device is anonymously notified. So with the situation in speech, you'd notify the criminal that you found their device, probably the last thing you'd want to do in this situation. That having said, the serial number is rather tied to an iCloud account, so Apple should be able to identify its owner (but not their location).
- tantalor 5y ago
  Can Apple? Give a warrant, that is
  - blitzar 5y ago
    > If you’re curious to find who’s the owner of the AirTag that you have in hand, you can use your iPhone to view this information. Don’t have an iPhone? You can still use your NFC-enabled smartphone to see contact details. https://osxdaily.com/2021/07/08/found-lost-airtag-find-owner/ https://osxdaily.com/2021/07/08/found-lost-airtag-find-owner... I think people are mixing identifying the owner from the tracking beacon communications and identifying it from the physical device / serial number.
- gabriel_fishman 5y ago
  Is there a serial number printed on the device? Presumably Apple has a database that ties the serial number to an iCloud account and if the police had physical access to the device they could subpoena that data.
- acdha 5y ago
  Apple suggests that they can assist law enforcement if you have the serial number: > To disable the AirTag and stop sharing your location, tap Instructions to Disable AirTag and follow the onscreen steps. If you feel your safety is at risk, contact your local law enforcement who can work with Apple. You might need to provide the AirTag or its serial number. https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212227 https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212227

by et2o 5y ago

cromka 5y ago

Part of the innovative FindMy protocol so widely discussed here a while ago is that no other party can identify the owner of the device except the owner – or those with whom the owner shared the device location. EDIT: Well, as others pointed out, indeed having physical access to a device changes things. The serial number is rather tied to an iCloud account, so Apple, if subpoenaed, should be able to identify its owner (but not their location).

javagram 5y ago
While the protocol may not expose it, the device itself could have a serial number that might be associated with a specific user? EDIT: that seems to be exactly the case, see https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=29277376 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=29277376
- cromka 5y ago
  That doesn't mean Apple knows who the owner is. In that case, the owner of the device is anonymously notified. So with the situation in speech, you'd notify the criminal that you found their device, probably the last thing you'd want to do in this situation. That having said, the serial number is rather tied to an iCloud account, so Apple should be able to identify its owner (but not their location).
tantalor 5y ago
Can Apple? Give a warrant, that is
- blitzar 5y ago
  > If you’re curious to find who’s the owner of the AirTag that you have in hand, you can use your iPhone to view this information. Don’t have an iPhone? You can still use your NFC-enabled smartphone to see contact details. https://osxdaily.com/2021/07/08/found-lost-airtag-find-owner/ https://osxdaily.com/2021/07/08/found-lost-airtag-find-owner... I think people are mixing identifying the owner from the tracking beacon communications and identifying it from the physical device / serial number.
gabriel_fishman 5y ago
Is there a serial number printed on the device? Presumably Apple has a database that ties the serial number to an iCloud account and if the police had physical access to the device they could subpoena that data.
acdha 5y ago
Apple suggests that they can assist law enforcement if you have the serial number: > To disable the AirTag and stop sharing your location, tap Instructions to Disable AirTag and follow the onscreen steps. If you feel your safety is at risk, contact your local law enforcement who can work with Apple. You might need to provide the AirTag or its serial number. https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212227 https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212227