Pennsylvania’s House of Representatives recently passed legislation making it a crime to use a Bluetooth-connected device to track someone without their permission. The bill, if passed by the Senate, would classify this behavior as a third-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail. The Senate has a separate bill pending that would make the crime a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to two years in jail. The aim is to address the growing issue of remote tracking across the state.
Most states already have laws prohibiting remote tracking, and other states are also considering similar legislation. Florida is increasing penalties for using such devices, while Ohio is currently evaluating the possibility of implementing such laws. Kentucky passed a new law last year addressing remote tracking. Various tech companies have produced Bluetooth-controlled devices or digital apps that can secretly track another person’s movements. The bill is a response to the increasing use of such technology for stalking and unwanted surveillance.
The passage of the bill in Pennsylvania’s House comes in the wake of a federal judge denying Apple’s motion to dismiss a class-action lawsuit alleging that the tech giant has not done enough to prevent stalkers from using its AirTag devices to track victims. Apple’s AirTags, priced at $29, have gained popularity for helping users keep track of various items. However, stalkers have exploited these devices to track individuals without their consent, leading to legal action against Apple. Plaintiffs argued that Apple’s safety features were insufficient, accusing the company of not doing enough to protect victims from being tracked through AirTags.
Apple has condemned any malicious use of its products and argued in court that it has taken proactive steps to deter misuse. The company believes it should not be held liable for damage caused by third parties using its devices. In response to increasing concerns about tracking devices being used for stalking, Apple collaborated with Google last year to establish standards for combating secret surveillance. It remains to be seen how this collaboration will address the issue of unauthorized tracking and better protect individuals from being tracked without their knowledge. The legal battle between Apple and the plaintiffs suing the company underscores the complex challenges associated with preventing and addressing remote tracking.
