Apple’s Find My service, known as “Locator,” is a tool designed to help users locate their Apple devices, AirTags, and other compatible products. The service works globally, with the exception of South Korea. It allows users to:
- Locate devices even when not connected to a network
- Share location with friends
- Use Precision Finding for accurate location in crowded areas
- Play sounds on devices
- Display messages on found devices
- Remotely erase data if necessary
However, the service has recently come under scrutiny, particularly from Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney.
Criticism and Privacy Concerns
Tim Sweeney expressed his concerns about the Find My service on X (formerly Twitter), calling it “extremely creepy surveillance technology.” He shared a personal anecdote about locating a stolen laptop years after the theft, questioning the normalcy and ethics of such capabilities.
Sweeney’s criticism highlights the potential for misuse of the technology, particularly in tracking individuals without their consent. This concern echoes previous complaints about Apple AirTags being used for unauthorized surveillance.
Apple’s Response and Safety Measures
In response to privacy concerns, Apple has implemented several safety features:
- AirTags emit audible signals when near unassociated persons
- iPhones alert users to the presence of nearby, unowned AirTags
- Algorithmic detection of potential stalking situations
Despite these measures, some users have reported false positives, such as an Engadget journalist whose dog was mistakenly identified as a potential stalker by the system.
As the debate around privacy and technology continues, we’ll keep you updated on any developments regarding Apple’s Find My service and related technologies. The balance between user convenience and privacy protection remains a crucial topic in the tech industry.